Iftar: its spiritual and physical benefits

Iftar is a blessed moment that marks the breaking of the fast each day during the holy month of Ramadan. It is far more than just a meal. It is a deeply spiritual and physical experience which, guided by the teachings of Allah and the Prophet, brings immeasurable rewards to those who fast. Here we explore its benefits for the soul and for the body, and how it shapes the lives of believers.

The spiritual benefits of Iftar

Iftar, also known as eftari, iftor or ftour, is a sacred moment that marks the breaking of the fast at sunset on each day of the blessed month of Ramadan. For Muslim believers, its benefits go far beyond the simple act of eating. It is a profound spiritual experience.

1. A stronger spiritual bond with Allah

As they break their fast, believers express their gratitude to the Creator for His mercy and support throughout the day of fasting. It is a moment to remember our reliance on Allah and to feel His closeness.

2. Growing in gratitude

Iftar inspires gratitude to Allah for the food provided and for life’s blessings. Those who fast become aware of the many favours they receive, and they express their thanks through prayer and thanksgiving.

3. Renewing one’s faith

The month of Ramadan and Iftar offer an exceptional opportunity to renew and strengthen one’s faith. During this time, believers devote themselves more fully to prayer, reciting the Quran and reflection. This nourishes their souls and deepens their commitment to the teachings of Islam.

4. God’s forgiveness

Ftour is a fitting moment to seek Allah’s forgiveness. Believers acknowledge their weaknesses, mistakes and sins, and pray for divine mercy. Breaking the fast becomes an act of repentance and a search for forgiveness, helping to purify the soul.

5. Practising patience

Fasting is itself an exercise in patience, and Iftar offers a concrete chance to put this virtue into practice. Believers wait patiently for the moment to eat, building their endurance and self-control.

6. Awakening awareness

Believers become aware of the spirituality present in every mouthful of food. Each one is eaten mindfully, with gratitude to Allah.

7. Renewing one’s intention

Every Ftour is a chance to renew the intention behind the fast. Believers consciously remind themselves that they fast to please Allah and to draw closer to Him.

Divine rewards

Acts of worship, such as prayer and reciting the Quran during the nights of Ramadan, are especially valued by Allah. But that is not all. The Iftar meal itself is also a source of divine reward. Inviting others to share it is above all an expression of hospitality and generosity, values encouraged by Islam, and it brings extra blessings too! Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad taught that whoever feeds a fasting person will receive the same reward, without the fasting person’s reward being diminished in any way.

These divine rewards are not tied only to how much food is shared, but also, and above all, to the sincere intention behind the act. Sharing Iftar should therefore be done with humility, compassion and the wish to please Allah.

Sharing and solidarity

As an act of sharing and generosity, Iftar strengthens the bonds between Muslims. Inviting family, community members and friends to join this special meal highlights the importance of solidarity and friendship. It fosters a sense of belonging and nurtures the values of love and brotherhood.

The benefits of Iftar for the body

The Ramadan fast is good for your health. It detoxifies the body, stabilises blood sugar levels, and improves mental clarity, blood pressure and more. But to enjoy these benefits, it should be practised following certain guidelines.
To keep up their energy and health throughout this sacred period, those who fast should in particular choose a balanced diet when they are able to eat, that is, at Suhoor before dawn and at Iftar, or Ftour, at sunset. This evening meal is essential.
So what should it include?

First of all, the Prophet Muhammad taught the importance of moderation, stressing that the stomach should not be overfilled. Overeating can cause a great deal of discomfort and disturb sleep, which matters a great deal during Ramadan. It is also advisable to eat responsibly, appreciating the goodness of food while avoiding waste. This respectful approach to eating deepens our gratitude to Allah for our daily provision.

So in practice, and in line with the Prophet’s teachings, the fast is ideally broken with:

- water and fresh dates (Rutab), or ordinary dates. These provide a quick source of energy after a day of fasting.
- Next, a soup and a salad provide essential nutrients while being light. They prepare the stomach for digestion and lead into the main course.- the main course. This should include foods that provide protein (meat, fish or pulses) and complex carbohydrates (wholemeal pasta and brown rice, quinoa, etc.), served with fresh vegetables.

A time to reflect on inequality and generosity

During Ramadan, by making us aware of hunger and thirst, fasting builds empathy for those who go without food every day. Iftar, for its part, is an opportunity to reflect on the reality of inequality and poverty. Muslims are encouraged to consider the situation of those who are not fortunate enough to enjoy such plentiful meals. This reflection inspires charity and generosity towards those in need, bringing Iftar in line with the core values of Islam.

At LIFE, we help people in need all year round, and especially during Ramadan. Thanks to your generous donations, we bring them food and joy. And so that they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity, we offer to distribute your Zakat al-Fitr to them as food, in keeping with Muslim tradition.

Iftar is a spiritual and physical celebration guided by the teachings of Allah and the Prophet. It is a time of gratitude, divine reward, spiritual connection and sharing among Muslims. Through prayer, reflection and sharing, this meal becomes a holistic celebration of faith, generosity and our relationship with Allah. Every mouthful becomes food for the soul, a source of blessing, health and closeness to the divine.

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