What is iftar and how do I break my fast?

Yes, it's simple: iftar is the meal Muslims eat at sunset to break their fast. As soon as the sun sets (Maghrib time), you break your fast promptly, ideally with a date or a sip of water, say a short dua (prayer), pray Maghrib, and then enjoy a fuller meal. There's no complicated ritual.

When is iftar?

Iftar is at sunset, which is the start of Maghrib prayer time on your local timetable. The Sunnah is to break your fast right away, not to wait "just to be safe." The Prophet ﷺ said: "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1957).

How the Prophet ﷺ broke his fast

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet ﷺ broke his fast before praying with fresh dates; if there were none, with dry dates; and if there were none, with a few sips of water (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356, graded hasan sahih).

When he broke his fast, he would say (Sunan Abi Dawud 2357, graded hasan):

Arabic: Dhahaba adh-dhama'u, wabtallatil-'uruqu, wa thabatal-ajru in sha' Allah.
Meaning: "Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills."

If you can't remember it yet, say "Bismillah" and any dua in your own words. Dua at the end of a fast is a precious moment. See Can I make dua in English?

Step by step

Check the time: use your mosque timetable or a prayer app for sunset.
Say Bismillah: and eat a date or drink some water.
Make dua: the dua above, or anything on your heart.
Pray Maghrib: many people have a light start, pray, then eat the main meal.
Eat your meal: calmly, with family or friends if you can.

Eating well after a long day

After hours without food, it's tempting to eat everything at once. Start light: dates, water, soup or fruit. Then have a balanced plate with protein, vegetables and some carbs. Fried foods and sweets are part of many iftar traditions, but too much can leave you sluggish for taraweeh (the night prayer). Keep drinking water through the evening. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor how to break your fast safely.

Iftar is for sharing

Iftar is one of the most social parts of Ramadan. Many mosques host free community iftars every night, and non-Muslim friends are usually very welcome. If you're a new Muslim living alone, these gatherings are a great way to meet people. See Can I visit a mosque if I'm not Muslim?

The Prophet ﷺ said the fasting person has "two pleasures," and one of them is at the time of breaking the fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904). Enjoy it.

Key points

Iftar is the sunset meal that ends the fast.
Break your fast promptly at Maghrib time.
The Sunnah is dates, or water if you have none.
Say a dua, pray Maghrib, then eat calmly.

Tip: Keep a few dates and a bottle of water in your bag during Ramadan, so you're never stuck if sunset catches you on the train or at work.