Why today March 7 is the first Friday of Ramzan (or Ramadan), the Islamic holy month. After spending the whole day observing roza, or a ritual fast, Muslims around the world break their fast with Iftar during Ramzan. The word iftar is derived from an Arabic term that means breaking of the fast. What time of the day is Iftar partaken? Iftar or Iftari is eaten at sunset, immediately before the evening prayer, or the Maghrib namaz, after fasting for the day. Iftar is one of the two meals during Ramzan, the other being sehri (or suhoor), eaten before dawn. There are no set rules for the food items that should be consumed during iftar, with people consuming whatever is locally available and popular. However, the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have broken his fast with dates, and so they are a popular and recommended choice. The meal is often had together with family, friends, and the larger community. Charity, or providing iftar for the needy, is another aspect of the meal. What is the spiritual significance of Iftar? The process of fasting during roza is intended to remind the faithful that everything one has is given by God. Iftar is the time to express gratitude to Allah for the sustenance provided, and reflect on all the other blessings one enjoys in life. The fast, and breaking it with only one meal, is also meant to inculcate discipline and self control, so that one is mindful of what one consumes and enjoys, and can find the strength within to observe all the tenets of Islam. What is the social significance of Iftar? Iftar is often a community affair, with people eating together or sending food to each other and the needy. It is part of the shared experience of obeying the commands of Allah, promoting a feeling of kinship, of being part of a larger whole. In 2023, iftar was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The UNESCO website says, “The evening prayer is followed by activities such as praying ceremonies, music, storytelling, games, preparing and serving traditional and local meals and marriage arrangements. For communities, it often takes the form of gatherings or meals, strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange. The ceremonies and rituals related to Iftar are also practised by people who do not necessarily fast during the month of Ramadan. The knowledge and skills are typically transmitted within families through oral instruction, observation and participation, and children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals.” While we are on the subject What is the correct term, Ramzan or Ramadan? There is no right or wrong. Ramzan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While the Arabic pronounciation of the word is Ramadan, the Persian pronunciation is with a z. This is the version popular in the Indian subcontinent. Similarly, suhur is the Arabic pronounciation of the term commonly known as sehri in India.
