Index

Iftar

Iftar

Iftar

Iftar is observed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the oldest rituals followed by Muslims all over the world. Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which the whole Islamic community observe a complete fast during the daytime hours.

Muslims take a meal before dawn and only end their fast in the evening with a special meal. This special evening meal is known as Iftar and is taken after the sun sets. The timings of Iftar vary according to when the sun goes down in any given area.

Every Muslim should observe certain principles when he or she is going to break the fast:

Iftar should be immediately taken after the sun sets.

The Iftar breaking of the fast should be commenced with dates, if available. If they are not available, it should start with a sip of milk or water.

In the case of cloudy skies, Iftar should be delayed until the time of sunset is confirmed.

It is considered Makruh (disliked) if Iftar is delayed after sunset or taken before the sunset, as its time is considered to be very auspicious.

Iftar generally starts with Dua (prayer). It is a common belief that Dua made during Iftar are readily accepted. The regular Dua or prayer offered in every Muslim household during Iftar is: “Allahumma Inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu [wa alayka tawakkaltu] wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu” which in English means “O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance”.

MUHAMMAD YUSUF

2026-07-01 (Muharram 1448) №7.


Encouraging and Supporting Your Husband

Everyone experiences difficult days, problems, or troubles that weigh heavily on his or her spirits. A woman can usually share her feelings with loved ones or friends, complaining and crying, and a warm, intimate conversation can help her feel better and more reassured.   As for most men,...


Let the Soul Grow

Science surprisingly confirms the wisdom revealed 1,500 years ago in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. I was given another reason to reflect on this when reading an excerpt from a lecture by Carl Gustav Jung, the founder of analytical psychology.   The psychologist asks a question that...


The Digital Whirlwind: How Not to Lose Oneself in the World of Social Media

It is hard to imagine the modern world without the internet, instant messaging apps and social media. A young person who does not use the internet or is not registered on social media is the exception rather than the rule. Such people, unfortunately, may even be considered out of touch.   I...


The Echo of Feminism and the Voice of Faith

In our time, the loud voices of feminism echo even into the hearts of Muslim women.   This echo, rolling across the world, sounds loud and insistent, sometimes so powerful that it can knock down those who have not yet firmly established themselves on the path of truth. On social media, on...


Emotional Burnout from Oneself

Do you ever get the feeling that you are tired not from work, but from constant internal tension, self-control, and the need to meet your own high standards? How to recognize this quiet fatigue of the soul?   This is not the kind of fatigue you can measure in overtime hours or the number of...