🍽️ Iftar: The Spiritual and Social Meal of Breaking Fast 🍴
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. Often marked by communal gatherings, it epitomizes both an act of worship and a means of social solidarity.
Definition and Meaning
Iftar Transliteration:
- Arabic: إفطار (Iftār)
- Urdu: افطار (Iftār)
- Bengali: ইফতার (Iftar)
- Indonesian: Buka Puasa
- Persian: افطار (Iftar)
- Turkish: İftar
- Malay: Berbuka Puasa
Comprehensive Definition:
Iftar refers to the evening meal where Muslims break their daily fast during the month of Ramadan. The fast is broken immediately after Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Traditionally, the fast is broken first with dates and water, emulating Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example.
Etymology and Background
The word “Iftar” originates from the Arabic root “ف-طر” (f-t-r), which means “to break” or “breakfast.” Its etymological meaning directly aligns with its purpose—the act of breaking the fast.
Etymology:
- Arabic: اِفْطار
Background:
The practice of Iftar is steeped in tradition dating back to the life of Prophet Muhammad, who advocated for breaking the fast with dates and then performing the Maghrib prayer before consuming a larger meal. More than just a meal, Iftar serves as a significant religious ritual as well as a community event where bonds are strengthened.
Historical Facts and Dates
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Tradition of Iftar: Established practice since the inception of the fast in 624 CE when fasting during Ramadan became obligatory.
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Historical Events:
- Battle of Badr (624 CE): The first major Islamic battle coincided with Ramadan.
- Community Building: In historical Islamic Caliphates, especially the Ottoman Empire, Iftar saw large gatherings with lavish meals provided to the community.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Though the core elements of Iftar remain consistent worldwide, several cultural nuances exist:
- In Arab countries, dates and water are traditional.
- South Asian regions include savory items like samosas.
- Indonesia and Malaysia highlight sweets such as Kolak (coconut fruit dessert).
- Iran favors Aashe reshteh, a traditional thick soup.
Similarities:
- Breaking fast with dates and performing evening prayers before a larger meal.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Buka Puasa (Malay/Indonesian), Breaking Fast
- Antonyms: Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins)
- Related Terms: Suhoor, Ramadan, Fast, Eid al-Fitr, Maghrib.
Exciting Facts
- Scientific Basis: Dates provide a quick source of glucose, which revitalizes the body after fasting.
- Community Bonding: Many mosques and Islamic centers arrange communal Iftars fostering togetherness.
- Diplomatic Iftars: Ambassadors often host Iftars fostering peace and interfaith dialogue.
Quotations
From Notable Writers:
- “Ramadan is a time to empty your stomach to feed your soul.” - Yasmin Mogahed
- “As we break our fast with Iftar each night, we not only satiate our hunger but also renew our spiritual strength.” - Tariq Ramadan
Suggested Literature
- “A Ramadan Reader: Muslim Voices from Around the World” by Aminah Beverly McCloud.
- “Rumi’s Little Book of Life: The Garden of the Soul, the Heart, and the Spirit” edited by Maryam Mafi.
“Cherish the hunger you experience today, for in it lies the truth of your faith, the strength of your community, and the compassion that binds us all together.”
- Sarfaraz Ahmad, October 2023
