iftar
MediumFormal, Religious, Cultural
Definition
Meaning
The evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, consumed after sunset.
The ritual or social occasion of breaking the fast during Ramadan; also used metaphorically to refer to any celebratory meal after a period of abstinence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is specifically tied to the Islamic religious practice of fasting (sawm). It marks the end of the daily fast and often has social and communal significance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In British English, the term may be more commonly encountered in multicultural urban contexts. In American English, it's often used in interfaith or explanatory contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries religious and cultural connotations. In British English, it may be more directly associated with local Muslim community events. In American English, it may sometimes be framed in a more general 'cultural celebration' context.
Frequency
Higher frequency in regions with significant Muslim populations in both countries; otherwise low frequency in general discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The community holds [an iftar] every Saturday.We were invited to [their iftar].The iftar [began] promptly at sunset.She prepared dates for [the iftar].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break your fast at iftar.”
- “From suhoor to iftar.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
May be used in workplace diversity communications or announcements about accommodating prayer/meal times during Ramadan.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, or sociology papers discussing Islamic practices.
Everyday
Used within Muslim communities and in multicultural social conversations, especially during Ramadan.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside specific religious or cultural studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The family will iftar together at sunset.
- We iftared late due to cloud cover.
American English
- They plan to iftar with their neighbours.
- After iftaring, they attended the night prayers.
adjective
British English
- The iftar menu featured traditional dishes.
- He gave an iftar invitation to his colleagues.
American English
- The iftar gathering was held in the community center.
- She prepared special iftar desserts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We eat dates at iftar.
- Iftar is after sunset.
- My family always has soup for iftar during Ramadan.
- The mosque organises a free iftar for everyone.
- Attending the community iftar provided a profound sense of unity.
- The timing of iftar shifts slightly each day as the sunset changes.
- The diplomatic iftar hosted by the ambassador served as an important interfaith dialogue opportunity.
- Scholars note the evolution of iftar from a private family meal to a large-scale public event in many societies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IFTAR = It's Finally Time to Ate Right (after the day's fast).
Conceptual Metaphor
IFTAR IS A GATEWAY: It opens the door from abstinence to nourishment, from spiritual focus to social communion.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as просто 'ужин' (just 'dinner'), as it loses the religious and fasting context.
- Do not confuse with 'завтрак' (breakfast); iftar is an evening meal.
- The term is a direct borrowing (ифтар) in Russian, so transliteration is often preferred over translation.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /aɪfˈtɑːr/ (eye-ftar).
- Using it to refer to any evening meal outside of Ramadan.
- Misspelling as 'ifter' or 'iftahar'.
- Capitalising it unnecessarily (unless starting a sentence).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that defines 'iftar'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it is an evening meal, 'iftar' specifically refers to the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It has religious significance that a general 'dinner' does not.
Iftar occurs immediately after sunset (Maghrib prayer time) during Ramadan. The exact time changes daily and varies by geographic location.
Yes, many Muslim communities and families invite non-Muslim friends, colleagues, and neighbours to iftar meals as a way of sharing their traditions and promoting interfaith understanding.
The fast is traditionally broken with dates and water, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad. This is followed by a meal which varies greatly by culture but often includes soups, breads, fruits, and hearty dishes.