The pilgrimage culminates with the feast of sacrifice, one of the two major festivals that are celebrated during the Islamic year. Christianity does not require such a pilgrimage, but most Christians indirectly have the need to visit Jerusalem, the birth place of Jesus. During each day, from first light to darkness, all eating, drinking, and smoking are forbidden. The second major festival of the Islamic year begins at the termination of the fast and lasts several days. In Christianity, this could be compared to the Lenten period, where Jesus was sent to the desert for 40 days and nights, where he was tempted by Satan.
Christians usually give up something of importance during that period.
Although some do go on fasts, it is generally not as long. Another similar attribute all religions share, is the giving of money. In Islam, the zakat is an obligatory tax, a contribution made by Muslims to the state or to the community. In the modern period, the zakat has become a voluntary charitable contribution. In Christianity this is known as tithe.