Alma did not record his having fasted, or if he did Mormon did not include it in the abridgement. Amulek probably includes the fasting of Alma because of the angel’s message to him, and possibly as evidence to his people that Alma was “a holy man” (v. 9). Amulek further testifies of the angel’s promise of his being blessed and also to bless his house (vv. 7 & 11).
The angel’s appearance and Amulek meeting Alma occurred on the same day as shown in Amulek’s testimony (v. 8). His testimony of an angel appearing to him was undoubtedly unique to the people of Ammonihah. Although Alma reminded them of the Nephites “having conversed with angels” (9:21), it was not based upon their experiences under present conditions. The reaction of the people sustains this premise.