ABSTRACT
As the world begins seriously to take stock of the true cost of food consumption – especially meat – the need to find powerful forces within ourselves and cultures to help people change becomes more urgent. One of the most powerful but often most neglected is the power of religious tradition. Fasting, abstinence and the following of specific diets is an important feature of many faiths and could be one of the most powerful sources possible for redirecting lifestyles. Fundamentally, diet is seen to be a key element of Islamic well-being. The scientific fascination with the Islamic dietary laws and especially the Ramadan fast has led to many studies of its nutritional and medical significance. The long list of forbidden animals, birds and fish as well as such root plants as garlic and onions in the Laws of Manu is very close to elements of Judaism and also bears a remarkable similarity to the Daoist dietary laws.
