Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims around the world and is a month to reflect, grow spiritually and connect closer to Allah (SWT) through acts of worship, such as prayer and Sawm (fasting). A huge focus of this blessed month is to observe fasting during daylight hours, where a Muslim abstains from food, drink and impure thoughts and actions. Due to the long hours of fasting and prayer to grow spiritually, it is essential for believers to nourish their bodies when permitted with healthy and balanced meals. This can be fulfilled in the two meals that are allocated to Muslims in Ramadan which are known as Suhoor and Iftar. Both of these mealtimes hold great meaning and importance and should be observed daily throughout the month.
Iftar is an important meal where Muslims come together to break their fast after a long day of fasting. Discover what is Iftar and its significance to understand why this meal is vital for believers throughout Ramadan.
A popular question for Ramadan is “What is Iftar?” as this can be confusing to understand for many. Iftar is the meal allocated to believers once the sun has set to break fast. It is a time for gratitude and is a time to spend with loved ones and the community. This creates a strong community over a nutritious and tasty meal. Iftar isn’t just about eating, it is a moment to reflect on the blessings a believer has. It’s also an ideal time to thank Allah (SWT) for sustenance and connect closer to Him through prayer. The break of fasting in Ramadan with this significant meal includes acts of charity, such as giving Zakat, which hold immense reward for Muslims which is multiplied in this holy month. It is considered a noble deed for a Muslim to provide Iftar food for others to enjoy breaking their fast together. Giving food or water during the Iftar meal is highly rewarded and simple acts, like giving a glass of water, can earn Allah’s forgiveness and eternal blessings. This means that Iftar is both a physical meal and a spiritual act that strengthens bonds in the Muslim community and beyond.
Many wonder how long is Iftar and there isn’t a specific set time for the duration of this meal. The start of Iftar in Ramadan varies depending on where in the world you are, as it’s dependent on when the sun sets. The fast around the world can last around 12 to 18 hours and, in the UK, it lasts around 14 to 15 hours a day until the sun sets and Iftar can start. This meal traditionally begins with a date and water. After this, believers say their prayers. Once praying is completed, the meal starts surrounded by loved ones and can last for over an hour, up until Isha starts (the fifth and final obligatory prayer in the day).
Iftar is a meal to break fast that is enjoyed with families and the community. After a long day of abstaining from eating and drinking, food consumed at this meal must nourish the body and soul. Iftar food should provide Muslims with the sustenance needed for their nightly prayers and the next day’s fast. Lots of food is prepared and specially made for Iftar and there should be a large combination of traditional dishes with modern. These dishes are usually healthy to satisfy everyone and nourish the soul. Some Iftar food you can make this Ramadan is:
Iftar is a time to make dua and prayer as it’s one of the most blessed times for supplication. Dua for Iftar in Ramadan should occur in the moments before a believer enjoys the Iftar meal. It is a time when Muslims ask Allah (SWT) to forgive their sins, strengthen their faith and provide patience and gratitude. Alongside this, it is a time to make dua for others, especially those who are in desperate need and facing hardship.
The dua for Iftar in Ramadan before breaking the fast is extremely powerful as it’s a dua that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would recite which is:
“Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizq-ika-aftartu.”
“O Allah, I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast.”
This prayer for breaking fast acts as a reminder of a Muslim’s dependence on Allah (SWT) and His provisions, as well as their devotion to Him. When you break fast, it’s vital to take a moment to be thankful for the blessings you have and seek blessings from Him.
There is also another common dua to break the fast which is:
“Dhahaba az-zama’ wabtallat al-urooq wa thabatal-ajr insha Allah.”
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
This dua acknowledges the physical relief from hunger and thirst as well as the spiritual reward that comes with fasting.
There is a dua for Iftar in Ramadan that is said by a believer to seek acceptance of the fast and good deeds that a Muslim has performed during the day. This is:
“Allahumma taqabbal Siyami wa qiyami wa salih ‘amali.”
“O Allah, accept my fasting, my standing in prayer, and my righteous deeds.”
Iftar 2025 will begin when the blessed month of Ramadan starts. Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of the 28th of February or the 1st of March, depending on the sighting of the moon. This means the first Iftar meal can occur on the 1st or 2nd of March. Throughout the month, the sun sets a little bit later as we head into spring. The first Iftar to break fast is expected to occur around 17:43 while the last one could be as late as 19:33. These timings are all dependent on when the sun sets.
As you prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan and enjoy Iftar with loved ones and the community, it is important to remember that many people in need can’t afford to nourish their bodies every day. UKIM supports those in desperate need to transform their lives and escape poverty. From building schools to create a brighter future for children to providing essential food and resources, your donation to UKIM can help save the lives of the less fortunate.
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