Ramadan 2024 Iftars— Times and Rituals

Iftar refers to a meal after sunset that Muslims eat to break their daytime fasts during Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a month. They have two meals each day, one before sunrise called suhoor and another called iftar, which is eaten after sunset.

What Are the Major Rules for a Ramadan Iftar?

The iftar meal can only be eaten after sunset as the daytime period, from sunrise to sunset, is a time for fasting during the month of Ramadan. There is usually an important prayer called the Maghrib prayer, which takes place first at sunset. After the prayer, the iftar meal can be eaten.

To break a fast, Muslims usually eat three dates first to emulate the way the prophet Muhammad broke his fast. Then, the iftar meal begins with plenty of food.

Muslims follow a halal diet year-round, so the iftar meal will never include pork, alcohol, or other forbidden foods.

Iftar is a great time for gatherings for the Muslim community. Usually, Muslims gather with their families and friends to break their fast. Many Muslim communities organize public iftars in mosques and community centers.

What Are Some of the Foods Eaten during a Ramadan Iftar?

There are no special foods for a Ramadan iftar. Muslims can eat anything they want except for pork, alcohol, or other foods forbidden under Islamic law. Nourishing foods should be eaten to compensate for the stress of fasting. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy fats (polyunsaturated fat from plants, such as olive oil and nuts) — all of these are important to give the body the nutrients it needs.

Chocolate and eggs are allowed, but drinking alcohol is not allowed.

Find some Ramadan iftar food suggestions below:

Dates and water: Traditionally, iftar begins with dates and water, following the Sunnah (the traditions of the prophet Muhammad).
Soup: Warm and comforting soups, such as lentil soup, harira (a North African soup), or chicken soup, are common starters.
Samosas and pakoras: Deep-fried snacks, such as samosas (filled pastries) and pakoras (vegetable fritters), are popular in many cultures.
Dips and appetizers: Hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, and other dips served with pita bread or crackers are common appetizers.
Main course: This often includes a variety of dishes, such as grilled or roasted meats (chicken, lamb, or beef), rice dishes (biryani or pilaf), and pasta.
Salads: Fresh salads with a mix of vegetables and herbs add a refreshing element to the meal.
Desserts: Sweet treats, such as kunafa, baklava, and qatayef, and various traditional desserts are enjoyed to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Ramadan Iftar Times for Some Cities in 2024

The timing is for reference only. The exact Iftar time depends on the sunrise and sunset, and it is advisable to check with your local community for the precise schedule.

City	Sehri	Iftar
CAIRO	05:19 AM	05:13 PM
DubaiCAIRO	05:19 AM	05:13 PM
NEW YORK	05:58 AM	04:47 PM
ISTANBUL	06:50 AMFebruary 18 (Wednesday）	05:54 PM
KUALA LUMPUR	06:06 AM	07:20 PM
DEHLI	05:51 AM	05:42 PM
London	06:01 AM	04:12 PM

What Are Some Things That Muslims Cannot Do during or after Iftar?

Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink anything or have intimate relations in the daytime (from sunrise to sunset) during Ramadan. But they are allowed to do these before or after the fasting period.

After breaking the fast, Muslims can go back to their normal lifestyles.

But they still need to be aware of these things during or after iftar:

Eating too quickly: It is advised not to rush while eating. Islam encourages mindful and moderate eating, appreciating the blessings of the food.
Excessive consumption: Overeating is discouraged. Instead, Muslims should eat in moderation to maintain good health and well-being.
Engaging in negative speech: During Ramadan, it is important to avoid engaging in gossip, arguments, or any form of negative speech. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline.
Neglecting prayers: Observing prayers is a central aspect of Ramadan. Before iftar, Muslims perform the Maghrib prayer, and it's important not to neglect this religious obligation.