IFTAR

Iftar (or Iftari) is the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) . It is consumed immediately before the evening Maghrib prayer , marking the end of the fasting day. The other meal during Ramzan is Sehri (Suhoor) , eaten before dawn.

Food Traditions and Customs

  • No fixed menu: People consume whatever is locally available and culturally significant.
  • Dates Tradition: Prophet Muhammad is believed to have broken his fast with dates , making them a popular choice for Iftar.
  • Social Gathering: The meal is often shared with family, friends, and the larger community .
  • Charity: Providing Iftar to the needy is considered an act of kindness and charity .

Spiritual Significance

  • Reminder of Divine Blessings: Fasting reminds Muslims that everything comes from God and encourages gratitude.
  • Discipline & Self-Control: The practice teaches restraint, mindfulness, and inner strength to observe religious duties.

Social and Cultural Significance

  • Community Bonding: Iftar is a collective experience , reinforcing a sense of kinship and shared faith .
  • Inclusivity: Even non-fasting individuals participate in the customs of Iftar.
IFTAR

UNESCO Recognition

  • Intangible Cultural Heritage: In 2023 , Iftar was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
  • UNESCO Description:
    • Iftar is accompanied by prayers, music, storytelling, and games .
    • Strengthens family and community ties , promoting charity, solidarity, and social exchange .
    • The rituals are passed down through generations , with children actively learning the traditions.