Iftar: What's the meal called when you break your fast?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

In 2023, UNESCO officially recognized the socio-cultural traditions of Iftar, highlighting its importance worldwide. The special evening meal that Muslims eat to break their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan is known as Iftar.

Quick Summary

Iftar is the evening meal Muslims eat to end their daily fast at sunset during Ramadan. The ritual holds deep religious and cultural significance, often shared with family and community after prayer.

Key Points

Iftar: The meal used to break the fast at sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Traditional Start: Following the practice of Prophet Muhammad, Iftar traditionally begins with dates and water to gently break the fast.
Global Diversity: Iftar meals and traditions vary significantly across the world, from spiced porridge in Malaysia to fried snacks in Pakistan.
Spiritual Significance: Iftar is a time for communal gathering, reflection, gratitude, and charity, strengthening social and religious bonds.
Contrast with Suhoor: Iftar is the evening meal, while Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten to prepare for the day's fast.
Health Benefits: A balanced Iftar focuses on rehydration and gentle nourishment with balanced nutrients to avoid digestive issues.

What is Iftar? The Evening Meal During Ramadan

Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset each day during the Islamic month of Ramadan. This cherished meal marks the end of a day of fasting and is a time of great spiritual and communal significance. While fasting from dawn to sunset is a pillar of Islam, Iftar provides a joyous opportunity to come together, give thanks, and share a meal with family, friends, and community members. The tradition is often initiated by eating dates and drinking water, a practice following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The fast is officially broken with the sound of the adhan, the call to the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. This moment creates a palpable sense of anticipation and relief as people eagerly await the opportunity to eat and drink. Beyond providing nourishment, Iftar is a time for reflection and gratitude, reminding individuals of the blessings they have and fostering empathy for those less fortunate.

The Spiritual Significance of Iftar

Iftar holds immense spiritual significance. It is a moment of deep gratitude for the strength to have completed the day's fast. Sharing the meal with others is considered a highly rewarding act of charity, and providing Iftar for someone is believed to bring immense blessings. The gathering itself strengthens bonds of community and reinforces the Islamic values of generosity and unity. For many, the act of consuming a simple date and a sip of water is a powerful, spiritual moment connecting them with centuries of tradition.

Global Iftar Traditions and Delicacies

While the practice of Iftar is universal, the foods and customs surrounding it vary dramatically across different cultures and regions. These variations reflect the rich diversity of the global Muslim community.

Examples of diverse Iftar traditions:

South Asia (Pakistan & India): Iftar tables often feature a variety of savory fried snacks like samosas, pakoras, and dahi baray (lentil dumplings in yogurt), alongside sweet desserts like jalebi. Refreshing drinks like Rooh Afza and fruit chaat are also common.
Middle East: In countries like Syria and Egypt, traditional Iftar meals often include hearty soups like harira, filled pastries such as sambousek, and rich desserts like atayef.
Southeast Asia (Indonesia & Malaysia): In Indonesia, Iftar (known as buka puasa) often begins with sweet snacks called takjil, such as kolak (a coconut milk dessert). Malaysian tables might feature bubur lambuk, a spiced rice porridge distributed at mosques.
Turkey: Iftar often starts with an iftariye platter of dates, olives, cheese, and a special flatbread called Ramazan pidesi. Hearty soups are also a staple.

The Difference Between Iftar and Suhoor

Ramadan requires two main meals, each serving a distinct purpose in the daily fast. While Iftar breaks the fast at sunset, Suhoor is the meal consumed before dawn to prepare for the day of fasting ahead.

Iftar vs. Suhoor Comparison


Feature	Iftar (Evening Meal)	Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Timing	At sunset, after the Maghrib prayer call.	Before sunrise, prior to the Fajr prayer call.
Purpose	To break the day's fast and replenish energy.	To provide sustenance and hydration for the day's fast.
Common Foods	Traditionally starts with dates and water, followed by a range of dishes.	Often includes protein-rich foods, slow-releasing carbs, and hydration.
Atmosphere	Festive, communal, and often a social gathering with family and friends.	Quiet, often a small, private meal with family before a long day.
Health Focus	Hydrating and reintroducing food gently to the body after a long fast.	Energizing and ensuring the body has enough nutrients to last the day.

Health Considerations for a Balanced Iftar

After a day of fasting, it's important to approach Iftar mindfully to prevent digestive discomfort. Nutritionists recommend focusing on balanced meals rather than overindulging in heavy, fatty, or sugary foods. The initial breaking of the fast with dates and water provides a gentle way to raise blood sugar levels and rehydrate, scientifically preparing the stomach for a larger meal. A healthy Iftar should include a balance of carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, healthy fats, fiber from fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water to rehydrate effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what's the meal called when you break your fast? It is called Iftar. This evening meal during Ramadan is far more than just a break from fasting; it is a profound cultural and religious event celebrating gratitude, community, and devotion. Its practices and featured dishes differ across the globe, yet the core spirit of unity and reflection remains universal. Understanding the significance of Iftar offers valuable insight into one of the most important aspects of Islamic tradition. Find out more about the global context of Iftar on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iftar is eaten at sunset, specifically after the Maghrib call to prayer (adhan). The exact time varies daily depending on the geographical location.

Muslims traditionally eat dates to break their fast because it is a practice (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad. Dates provide a quick, natural source of energy that is easily digestible after a long day of fasting.

If you accidentally or unintentionally eat or drink before Iftar, your fast is still considered valid in Islam. Once you realize your mistake, you should stop immediately and wait until the correct time.

Yes, non-Muslims are warmly welcomed to join Iftar meals. It is a common practice for Muslims to invite friends, neighbors, and colleagues of other faiths to share in the experience, fostering community understanding.

The size and type of Iftar meal vary greatly by culture and individual. While it can be a large, celebratory feast, it is often advised to start with a light meal and avoid overeating after a full day of fasting to prevent discomfort.

Iftar is the evening meal to break the fast at sunset, while Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten to prepare for the day's fasting.

Healthy choices for Iftar include dates, water, fruit, soup (like lentil soup), and a balanced meal containing protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. It's recommended to limit sugary sweets and greasy, fried foods.