Who says fasting is identical to Muslims only? Indeed, in other religious traditions also have a tradition of fasting, but the moment is different.
Andres Moller, a Swedish
researcher religious anthropology in his Ramadan in Java: The Joy and
Jihad of Ritual Fasting (2005), said that fasting is also in the Jewish
tradition, Catholic, Christian, and religions of India. In
Jewish tradition, continued Moller, as set forth in the scriptures Yom
Kippur, or the Day of Repentance, there is only one day of fasting. However, after the Babylonian exile, added a few more days to fast. The goal, to commemorate the days or important moments in Jewish history
Moreover, the Jews also can fast individually and personally. For example, the bride and groom can be fast on their wedding day. The pious Jews can also fasted every Monday and Thursday (va-Hamish Sheni).
While Christians generally take the position that Isa al-Masih (Jesus Christ) does not expressly define the problem fast. Thus, similar matters submitted to the church. But most people usually fast on Wednesdays and Fridays in Easter week.
As for fasting in the religious traditions of India have another background. Religion and culture that originated in India in general easily grab the asceticism and abstinence. Quoting
Nanayakkara SK in the Encyclopaedia of Buddhism (1990), Moller tells
that Siddhartha Gautama was often fasted when he was looking for the
Buddhist Path.
Gauthier argues that people should not eat and drink to excess (bhojane mattannuta). Wisdom is particularly true for the monks. Excessive food "resulting boredom, laziness, indolence, and also limits the wisdom", so the argument Gautama. So, overeating should be avoided Buddhists. If these policies carefully observed, such a practice can also be said to be a kind of fasting.
Hindu and Jain religions, on the other hand, get to know some of the time when the adherents are encouraged to fast. Hindu and Jain ascetics can be fast as well as perform the pilgrimage and also when held various religious festivals. Women Jain also fast in the hope of a good husband. There is also a presumption in that fasting can reduce the amount of karma. In other words, in the Jain tradition of fasting can be used as a vehicle of liberation in this tradition.