Iftar

"Iftar" (Arabic: إفطار), refers to the evening meal for breaking the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. "Iftar "during Ramadan is often done as a community, with Muslims gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after "Maghrib" (sunset) time. Traditionally, a date is the first thing to be consumed during "Iftar" when the fast is broken.

Iran

In Iran, a small selection of foods is prepared to break the fast at Maghrib time (just after the sunset) and is summarily followed by a proper Persian meal. Most common iftar items are: Chai (tea, usually darjeeling), Noon (bread usually lavash or barbari), Panir (feta cheese), fresh herbs, sweets, dates and halva. Most all family members will gather at one home for Iftar.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a wide variety of foods is prepared to break the fast at Maghrib time (just after the sunset). Some of the more common Bangladeshi Iftar items include: Pyaju (made of onion and pulse powder), Beguni (made of eggplant and pulse powder), Chola (cooked chickpeas), Muri (a type of crunchy rice grains), Haleem, Jelapee, Dates, Dhal Puri (a type of lentil based pastry), several other different types of sweets and different types of fruits such as watermelon. People like to have iftar at home with all family members. Iftar parties are also arranged by different offices and organisations.

India

In India, in places like Hyderabad, people break their fast with Haleem because it has a rich taste and is quite filling.

Indonesia

In Indonesia "Iftar" is called "buka" which means "to open". Markets sell various foods for "Iftar", including the date palm which is popular as well as Indonesian unique food and drink such as "kolak, cendol or dawet, etc". Most of them are only found easily in Ramadan. "Maghrib" time is marked by "beduk", a traditional Indonesian drum. After "ashar" time, many traditional market being crowded by food stalls selling many kind of menu for "iftar". Traffic jams often occur leading up to "Maghrib" time. Sometimes people invite groups of orphans to eat with them. After "Iftar" people go to the mosque for Isha and Tarawih prayer which, in Indonesia, is often accompanied by a sermon.

Brunei Darussalam

In Brunei Darussalam, "Iftar" is called "sungkai". Traditionally this is held in the mosque or "masjid" for those who have prayed. In the mosque, a buffet is prepared by the government and local residents. Before the iftar, the "Beduk" must be heard as a signal for beginning sungkai. Sungaki also means when a person decided to break their fast during daylight hours (the prescribed fasting time). Bruneians usually celebrate sungkai in restaurants (with reserved seats).

Pakistan

Pakistanis observe religious and cultural events passionately, and so accordingly, in Pakistan almost everything stops for rejoice for a few minutes following the "Iftar" sirens and Azan (call to prayer). Preparations for "Iftar" commence about 3 hours before, in homes and at roadside stalls. The fast can be broken by eating dates or drinking water, if the former is not available. Iftar is typically heavy in Pakistan, comprising mainly of sweet and savoury treats such as "jalebi", "samosas", "pakoras" and "namak parays" besides the staple dates and water. Rooh Afza, a sweet syrup-based drink, is also considered an integral part of the Iftar in Pakistan, sometimes replacing water. Other items such as chicken rolls, spring rolls, shami kababs, and fruit salads are also very common. The Iftar is often, but not necessarily, followed up by a regular dinner later during the night.

ri Lanka

Even though Sri Lanka is mainly populated by Buddhists, there are also many Muslims. For "Iftar" they make special snacks/ appetizers at Muslim homes like samosas, cutlets, rolls, and many more. They perform "Iftar" with the family if possible. Muslims believe that giving to the poor is a very rewarding. They eat a date ( a type of fruit ) and drink some water to break the fast or to perform "Iftar". Then they have the prepared meal. Some people like to prepare foods and give to the people performing "Iftar" in the mosques.

United States

"Iftar" meals are often held at US colleges and universities, to which both Muslim and non-Muslim students are frequently invited. The US State Department holds an Annual "Iftar" Dinner for community leaders from US society and faith groups as well as foreign policy officials. [ [http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/55577.htm Remarks at the Annual State Department Iftaar Dinner ] ]

As charity

Many Muslims believe that feeding someone Iftar as a form of charity is very rewarding. It is also believed to have been practiced by Muhammad (PBUH).

References

External links

* [http://www.haqislam.org/ramadan/virtues-of-iftari.htm Virtues of Iftar]
* [http://imeu.net/news/article0014277.shtml Ramadan in Palestine at the Institute for Middle East Understanding]

ee also

* Suhoor
* Tarawih