Iftar: spiritual and physical benefits

Iftar is a blessed time that marks the daily breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is much more than just a meal. It is a deeply spiritual and physical experience that, guided by the teachings of Allah and the Prophet, offers immeasurable rewards to those who fast. We will explore its benefits on the soul, but also on the body, and understand how it impacts the lives of believers.

The spiritual benefits of Iftar

Iftar, also called eftari, iftor, or ftour, is A sacred moment that marks the breaking of the fast at sunset each day during the blessed month of Ramadan. Its benefits for Muslim believers go beyond the simple act of eating. It is a profound spiritual experience.

1. Strengthening the spiritual connection with Allah

By breaking the fast, believers express their gratitude to the Creator for his mercy and support during the fast day. It is a time when one remembers the dependence on Allah and feels His closeness.

2. Development of gratitude

Iftar encourages gratitude to Allah for the food given and the blessings of life. Practitioners are becoming aware of the many favors they are receiving. They affirm their gratitude through prayers and thanksgiving.

3. The renewal of his faith

The month of Ramadan and Iftar provide an exceptional opportunity to renew and confirm one's faith. Believers devote more time to prayer, Quran recitation, and meditation during this time. This allows them to nourish their souls and strengthen their commitment to the teachings of Islam.

4. God's forgiveness

The Ftour is an auspicious time to ask for forgiveness from Allah. Believers recognize their weaknesses, mistakes, and sins, and ask for divine mercy. Breaking the fast becomes an act of repentance and seeking forgiveness. It contributes to spiritual purification.

5. The practice of patience

Fasting itself is an exercise in patience, and Iftar offers an opportunity to put this virtue into practice in a practical way. Indeed, believers wait patiently for meal time. In this way, they strengthen their stamina and their self-control.

6. The awakening of consciousness

Believers are becoming aware of the spirituality that is inherent in every bite of food. They are swallowed mindfully, with gratitude to Allah.

7. The renewal of the intention

Each Ftour offers an opportunity to renew the intention behind the fast. Believers remember with a clear conscience that it was made to please Allah and to draw closer to Him.
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The divine rewards
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Acts of worship, such as The prayer and the recitation of the Koran during the nights of Ramadan, are particularly valued by Allah. But that is not all. The Iftar meal itself is also a source of divine reward. If inviting others to share it is above all an expression of hospitality and generosity, values encouraged by Islam, it therefore has additional benefits! Indeed, Prophet Muhammad taught that whoever feeds a person who is fasting will receive an equivalent reward without affecting the fasting person's reward.

These divine rewards are not only linked to the quantity of food shared, but also, and above all, to the genuine intention behind the act. Sharing Iftar should therefore be done with humility, compassion and the desire to please Allah.

Sharing and solidarity
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Iftar, as an act of sharing and generosity, strengthens ties between Muslims. Inviting family members, community members and friends to take part in this special meal is a practice that highlights the importance of solidarity and friendship. This experience contributes to creating a sense of belonging and cultivating values of love and fellowship.
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The benefits of Iftar on the body
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Fasting in Ramadan is good for your health. It detoxifies the body, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves mental clarity, blood pressure, etc. But for this, its practice must follow certain recommendations.
In order to maintain their energy and health throughout this sacred period, In particular, fasters should opt for a balanced diet when they can eat, namely during Sahour, before dawn and during Iftar or Ftour, at sunset. This evening meal is essential.
What should it be made of?

First of all, Prophet Muhammad taught The importance of moderation, stressing that the belly should not be overloaded. This could cause a lot of discomfort and disrupt sleep, which is very important during Ramadan. In addition, it is advisable to eat responsibly, enjoying the benefits of food while avoiding waste. This respectful approach to food reinforces the awareness of gratitude to Allah for daily provisions.

So concretely and in accordance with the Prophet's teachings, Breaking the fast ideally starts with:

- Water and fresh dates (Routabat), or ordinary ones. These offer a quick source of energy after a day of fasting.
- Then, A soup and a salad provide essential nutrients while being light. They prepare the stomach for digestion and start the main course. - The main course. It must include foods that provide Proteins (meat, fish or legumes), complex carbohydrates (pasta and brown rice, quinoa, etc.) and served with of fresh vegetables.
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A moment to reflect on inequalities and generosity
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During Ramadan, fasting, by arousing the awareness of hunger and thirst, creates empathy for those who suffer from food deprivation on a daily basis. As for Iftar, it is An opportunity to reflect on the reality of inequalities and poverty. Muslims are in fact encouraged to consider the situation of those who are not fortunate enough to enjoy this type of abundant meal. This reflection encourages charitable action and generosity towards those in need, thus aligning Iftar with the fundamental values of Islam.

At LIFE, we help people in need all year round, especially during Ramadan.. Thanks to your precious gifts, we bring them food and joy. And so that they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity, we suggest that you redistribute your Zakat al-Fitr in the form of foodstuffs in accordance with Muslim tradition.
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Iftar is a spiritual and physical celebration guided by the teachings of Allah and the Prophet. It is a time of recognition, divine reward, spiritual connection and sharing between Muslims. Through prayer, meditation, and sharing, this meal becomes a holistic celebration of faith, generosity and the relationship with Allah. Thus, each bite taken is food for the soul, a source of blessing, health and proximity to the divine.

Together, let's make Ramadan and Iftar a moment of solidarity and joy around the world.