The evening meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset during Ramadan.
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims break their daily fast at sunset during Ramadan. It is one of the most anticipated and spiritually significant moments of each fasting day — the moment when the worshipper completes their daily act of obedience and receives sustenance.
The Sunnah of Breaking the Fast
The Prophet (peace be upon him) established a clear Sunnah (practice) for Iftar:
- Break with dates — If dates are available, begin with an odd number (typically 3)
- If no dates, break with water — "For it is pure" (Abu Dawud)
- Make dua (supplication) — The moment of breaking the fast is one of the most powerful times for accepted prayers
- Pray Maghrib — Perform the sunset prayer before eating the main meal
The Communal Nature of Iftar
Iftar is inherently communal. Families gather, mosques host large communal iftars, and neighbours share food. This communal spirit is encouraged by the Prophet (peace be upon him), who said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward." (Tirmidhi)
Providing Iftar for Others
Providing iftar meals for those who cannot afford food is one of the most rewarding acts during Ramadan. For just £1, you can provide a hot, nutritious iftar meal to someone breaking their fast in a crisis zone. That single pound earns you the same reward as the person fasting — multiplied during the blessed month.
What a Typical Iftar Includes
Across different cultures, iftar varies significantly, but common elements include dates, water, soup, rice dishes, bread, protein (meat or chicken), vegetables, and sweet desserts. In the UK, many Muslim families prepare elaborate spreads featuring dishes from their cultural heritage.
