Fast - bounties of

Now imperative for believers to deepen their awareness of the blessings conferred by devotional laws such as the Fast including carrying out all their aspects

"We have determined, therefore, that it is imperative for all the believers to deepen their awareness of the blessings conferred by the laws which directly foster the devotional life of the individual and, thus, of the community. The essentials of these laws are known to all Baha'is, but acquiring greater insight into their significance must include carrying out all the divinely revealed aspects of their observance. These are the laws which pertain to obligatory prayer, fasting and recitation of the Greatest Name ninety-five times a day."

(Universal House of Justice, Dec. 28, 1999)

Bounties are promised for those observing the Fast (as well as deprivation for those failing to observe it)

General acknowledgement of the Fast in providing spiritual confirmation/benefit (or deprivation for failing to observe it)

"Abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sundown, and beware lest desire deprive you of this grace that is appointed in the Book.'"

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 10; also quoted in Directives from the Guardian, p. 28)

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 1, no. 1, 3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 18; sec. 2, no. 4)

Fasting elevates one's spiritual station

"Fasting is the cause of the elevation of one's spiritual station."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 2, no. 27)

Same as the following?

"The nineteen-day fast [From March 2d to March 20th, inclusive. The fast is kept by refraining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.] is a duty to be observed by all. All should abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This fast is conducive to the spiritual development of the individual."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás, p. 57)

Fasting is the "most great healing for the disease of self and passion"

"Verily, I say, fasting is the supreme remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and passion."

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 1, no. 17)

There are "innumerable effects and benefits" in observing the Fast

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 1, no. 19)

Fasting has a Salutary Effect Both Physically and Spiritually

"Keeping the Fast...has a very salutary effect both physically and spiritually, and the friends should realize Bahá'u'lláh never would have instituted it if it were detrimental to the health."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 21, 1946, in Lights of Guidance, no. 777)

[See Fast - exemptions, however, for those with ill health]

We are eternally indebted to God for His bounties (such as the Fast) for which we cannot recompense Him

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 1, no. 17)