Iftar is the Arabic name for the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast at sunset. Muslims traditionally begin iftar after the sun has set, often starting with dates and water before eating a larger meal.
The practice follows the example attributed to Muhammad in Islamic tradition. Breaking the fast promptly at sunset is a widely observed Ramadan custom, while the exact foods served vary greatly by region and family.
Iftar is different from suhoor, the meal eaten before dawn. It is also distinct from zakat, a form of obligatory charitable giving, and tahajjud, a voluntary night prayer. Many mosques and community groups host shared iftar meals during Ramadan.