Iftar

Iftar is the evening meal used by Muslims to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

This meal occurs at sunset, specifically at the time of the Maghrib prayer call. During Ramadan, the daily fast begins after a pre-dawn meal and lasts through the daylight hours. Iftar serves as the second meal of the day. It is a deeply significant event that fosters family ties and promotes charity. Because of its global importance, UNESCO added iftar to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.

The process of breaking the fast follows a specific traditional sequence. Most people begin by eating dates and drinking water. This practice emulates the 7th-century traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. While eating dates is not a mandatory rule, it remains a widely followed custom. After this initial step, a much larger meal is typically consumed. In many regions, this is a heavy meal. In some cultures, people eat a lighter second dinner later in the evening. This often occurs before the Isha and Tarawih prayers.

Iftar traditions vary significantly based on local geography and culture. In South Asia, the meal often features many fried snacks. In the Middle East, large communal tables are used to represent generosity. In colder climates like Turkey, people often prefer hearty soups. In Afghanistan, the meal might include shorwa, which is a meat and vegetable soup. They may also serve mantu, which are steamed meat dumplings. In Indonesia, the meal is called buka puasa or takjil.

The history of iftar is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. It traces back to the life of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. During the Islamic Golden Age, the practice evolved into a rich socio-cultural tradition. Affluent individuals would host lavish meals to encourage unity and charity. This helped spread the practice across many Muslim-majority countries. One notable example is the Imam Reza shrine in Iran. This location has hosted iftar for 332 years.

Specific numbers show the massive scale of these communal gatherings. At the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran, approximately 12,000 people attend the iftar meal every night. In Brunei, the meal is called sungkai. In the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, cannons are fired to signal the start of the meal. In Malaysia, the meal is known as berbuka puasa. In the Maldives, it is called roadha villun. These large-scale events demonstrate how iftar serves as a tool for social solidarity.

Regional cuisines offer many unique examples of iftar foods. In Bangladesh, people enjoy items like piyaju, which is made from lentil paste. They also eat beguni, which are eggplant slices in gram flour batter. In Hyderabad, India, many people break their fast with haleem because it is filling. In southern India, a rice porridge called nonbu kanji is common. In Malaysia, people might drink bandung, a popular local beverage.

Even street food plays a role, as seen in markets in India and Indonesia.

Iftar connects religious practice to broader social systems like charity and community building. Many Muslims believe that providing iftar to others is a rewarding form of charity. This is known as sadaqah or zakat. By feeding others, people strengthen their community ties and express gratitude. Even in areas facing poverty or conflict, iftar remains a powerful symbol of connection. It links the spiritual act of fasting to the physical act of sharing food with others.