The Bahá’í Writings teach us that physical abstinence from food or drink is not the primary purpose of the 19-Day Fast, but rather, it is symbolic of something greater. This book is not intended to draw attention away from the greater. Instead, it is intended to help us to focus on the greater by offering spiritual, psychological and physical insights as well as knowledge and awareness that will help relieve us from unnecessary and potentially overwhelming concerns, doubts, and feelings we may experience about fasting.

If you are a Bahá’í, but have never observed the 19-Day Fast, this booklet will hopefully encourage and assist you to begin doing so. This booklet is intended to take you one step closer to making fasting a time of rejuvenation and spiritual liberation.