My First Iftar

Hi, this is Emilia again!

This time, Auntie Eman invited me to my very first Iftar, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.

I arrived at Eman’s house around 2 p.m. so I could start filming, and to my surprise, she was already deep into cooking—and she didn’t stop until Iftar time at 7:30 p.m. The entire day, she was in the kitchen, preparing dish after dish with incredible energy, despite having fasted since the night before. I could hardly believe how quickly time passed. Before I knew it, the table was set, and it was time to eat.

And when I say there was food, I mean a lot of food. The table was beautifully decorated with an elegant cloth, and every inch of it was covered with incredible dishes. There were oval-shaped meatballs in tahini sauce, msakhan wrapped in bread, fluffy rice with vermicelli, a vibrant beet salad, and crispy sambosas filled with cheese and chicken. There were also three different drinks—beet juice, fresh lemonade, and a rich, Vimto-style Pakistani drink made with milk. A lamb dish cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce took center stage, and for dessert, there were qatayef along with another pastry filled with ashta and pistachios. It was a feast in every sense of the word.

I had envisioned Iftar as a slow and ceremonial process, where everyone would start with dates and water, gradually easing into the meal. But no—when the clock struck 7:30 pm, everyone dug in immediately! It was a lively and joyous moment, with the entire family (about seven people) gathered around the table, sharing laughs and enjoying the food together.

The experience was incredible, and I’m so grateful to Auntie Eman for inviting me. Seeing how much effort goes into preparing Iftar made me appreciate the tradition even more.

What is Iftar?

Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. It occurs at sunset, right after the Maghrib prayer. Traditionally, people break their fast with dates and water, followed by a larger meal that varies by culture and region. Iftar is often a communal event, bringing families and friends together to share food and celebrate the spiritual significance of Ramadan.

Breaking the fast with dates is a tradition that goes back centuries. Not only are they a quick source of energy, but they also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. A simple yet meaningful way to begin the meal.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month for Muslims. It is observed as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs as an act of devotion and self-discipline. The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar, and the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins is called suhoor. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and acts of charity. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration marking the end of fasting.

Lanterns are a common symbol during Ramadan because they represent light, guidance, and the spiritual illumination that comes with fasting and prayer. Known as "Fanoos," these lanterns are often used to decorate homes and streets, creating a warm and festive atmosphere as people gather for Iftar and nightly prayers. They symbolize hope and the light of faith during the holy month.

Even though I am not an expert, I love joining Auntie Eman to learn about her culture and how to cook her food! Thank you so much for reading our blog post! We hope you come back soon!

-Emilia & Eman