The Qur’an, the book of guidance, has recommended that Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan in order to achieve Taqwah, which demands cultivating moral integrity and balance through a sense of divine or cosmic order.

The main objective of this teaching of the Qur'an is for the people to organize a peaceful society. Therefore, the concept has implications for both individuals and society. The Qur'anic verse (2: 183) refers to history by suggesting that earlier communities also were recommended to exercise and cultivate such practices.

This recommendation relates to the Qur'ans continuity with the mechanism of divine guidance in earlier civilizations. In this article, we explore historical evidence for such practices in history.

The Concept of Ma'at in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptian concept of Ma'at conveys a theme similar to the Qur'anic concept of Taqwah. The concept of Ma'at profoundly influenced Egyptian civilization for thousands of years, shaping its laws, ethics, morality, and worldview.

Egyptologists trace this concept back to the Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE), but they also suggest that its roots may extend even further into the pre-dynastic period (before 3100 BCE). For more than three thousand years, the concept of Ma'at motivated Egyptian rulers to rise, consolidate their rule, and revive the decline of civilization.

Pharaohs such as Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty and Hatshepsut and Akhenaten of the 18th Dynasty are known for their motivation to cultivate the spirit of Ma'at during their rule.

According to the Pyramid texts , the Pharaohs were considered the earthly embodiment of Ma'at and were responsible for upholding divine order and justice. Coffin texts , too, have records about the importance that different pharaohs had placed in governing their affairs.

However, the most significant information about Ma'at and many other significant principles of governance and worldview can be found in 'The Book of the Dead developed from multiple different sources, including earlier funerary inscriptions, priestly oaths, and household spells'. 

Unfortunately, many modern scholars have undermined these sources of history, identifying them as myths. This approach has created a tension between secular and religious, implying that there is no relation between what is known as secular or worldly and what is known as religious or otherworldly, as if there is no relation between material and spiritual, between natural and supernatural.

Fasting in Various Other Civilizations and Religions

The concept of Taqwah has both aspects of governing individual and collective life. This is what we learn from history. In ancient Egypt, the concept of Ma'at served the purpose of cultivating Taqwah.

One finds similar practices in other civilizations and religions in history. In ancient Mesopotamia, the concept of Me; in ancient Greece, the concept of Sophrosyne; in ancient India, the concept of Dharma; in ancient China, the concept of Tianming; in Judaism, the concept of Tzedek; in Zoroastrianism the concept of Asha or Arta, in Christianity, the concepts of Agape and Kenosis served the same purpose.

Overall, fasting, as a historical and cross-cultural practice, has profound implications for government ethics. It serves as a tool for cultivating moral discipline, fostering empathy, challenging injustice, building social cohesion, and demonstrating humility.

By examining these historical examples, we can see how fasting has been used to promote ethical governance and inspire leaders and followers to act with integrity and compassion.