it is Christians who are meant to fast for 40 days (lent) although if you notice, lent is more than 40 days to Easter. This is because they (are supposed to) fast every day except Sundays (which are feast days) you complete 40 days in total but but with every seventh day off, basically. Also, Christian fasting is not like Muslims fasting, as water is permitted. Muslims do not eat or drink anything at all during daylight hours, no one can sustain that for 40 days straight. Ask any Muslim and they will tell you that come sunset "stuffing your face" is the last thing on your mind. I have about 5 lychees in syrup at sunset and I feel full. I cannot stand to eat a great deal until at LEAST an hour after sunset. The importance of the pre-dawn meal in preparation for the fast ahead has been stressed by Muhammad as the idea is not hardship, but God consciousness. Critics should try it for a week and THEN come back and have their say.