.: The Islamic Association of Australia

The moment to break fast arrives as soon as the sun sets. Those who are fasting gather togeths and usually break their fast with a date and a glass of water. Sometimes they might have other snacks as well. The meal that you break fast with is called iftar. {Whilst having iftar, one realises the value of food and drink which far exceeds the cost paid for it.}

After their Maghreb prayers, they sit down to eat a proper meal. The ritual of breaking the fast with dates is said to go back to the time when Prophet 'Isa - Jesus (as) was a baby, when he and his parents were fleeing to Egypt. On the journey they had nothing to eat. The first food that they were able to find was dates. So the baby 'Isa (as) broke his fast with dates. Later, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) also broke his fast with dates and in this way it became a custom. When fasting it is very important to eat healthy food so that you will have strength to fast the next day. Sometimes people cook enormous meals and this can mean throwing food away if it is not all eaten. Food should never be wasted - especially during Ramadan. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) also advised that it is better never to eat too much. {According to a hadith, a third of your stomach is for food, a third for liquid, and a third so you can breathe easily.}

After their meal, many Muslims go to the Mosque to do the Tarawih prayers after the night prayers called 'Isha. Tarawih are special prayers which are done every night at the Mosque, only during Ramadan. Sometimes people do them at home. During the prayers, many people will try to complete the reading of the whole Qu'ran at least once in that month. For the 29 or 30 days of the fast, Muslims will repeat this routine each day.

A few people are excused from fasting. Children under the age of puberty - though many start fasting much younger {to participate in the excitement of Ramadan of their own free will ! Subhan'Allah!}. They usually start by fasting just half a day. As they grow older they fast for longer periods, until they are able to complete the whole month. Women who have their periods or who have just given birth do not fast. If they are pregnant or breast-feeding they do not have to fast if they fear for the baby's health. The sick, the old and the traveller, are also excused from fasting. In all cases when people are not able to fast, they have to fast the number of days they have missed, at some other time. If they are not able to do this because of bad health, for instance, they must feed a poor person for the same number of days. This is only if they can afford it.

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This article has been taken from the book titled "Islam and its festivals" by Istafiah Is'harc.