The Divine wisdom in fasting is manifold. Among them is
this: As during those days (i.e. the period of fasting which the followers
afterward observe) the Manifestation of the Sun of Reality, through Divine
inspiration, is engaged in the descent (revealing) of Verses, the instituting
of Divine Law and the arrangement of teachings, through excessive occupation
and intensive attraction, there remains no condition or time for eating and
drinking... In order to follow the Divine Manifestation and for the purpose of
admonition and the commemoration of their state, it became incumbent upon the
people to fast during those days. For every sincere soul who has a beloved
longs to experience that state in which his beloved is. If his beloved is in a
state of sorrow, he desires sorrow; if in a state of joy, he desires joy; if in
a state of rest, he desires rest; if in a state of trouble, he desires trouble.
Now, since in this Millennial Day, His Holiness the Supreme (The Báb) fasted
many days, and the Blessed Beauty (Bahá'u'lláh) took but little food or drink,
it becomes necessary that the friends should follow that example...
(Table
talks by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, recorded by Mrs. Corinne True: Star of the West, Vol.
IV, no. 18; compilation: 'Lights of Guidance')
