Nineteen Day Fast (Ala)
Nineteen days of fasting at the end of the Baha'i year, prayer and purification before Naw-Ruz.
The Baha'i Fast fills the month of 'Ala, the last month of the Baha'i year, ending the day before Naw-Ruz, so it runs from March 1 or 2 through March 19 or 20.
When Is Nineteen Day Fast (Ala)?
The Baha'i Fast fills the month of 'Ala, the last month of the Baha'i year, ending the day before Naw-Ruz, so it runs from March 1 or 2 through March 19 or 20.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
The Nineteen Day Fast occurs in the final month of the Baha'i calendar before Naw-Ruz. From sunrise to sunset Baha'is abstain from food and drink, a time of spiritual rejuvenation and deep prayer.
How It Is Observed
Daily fasting sunrise to sunset, increased prayer, reading of Baha'i scripture, Nineteen Day Feast gatherings, charitable giving. Exempt: under 15, over 70, ill, pregnant, or traveling.
Sacred Text
“We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.”
, Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah, paragraph 10 ↗