Taken from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad that translates to scorching heat or dryness, Ramadan is an obligatory fast for adult Muslims, except for those who are suffering from an illness, traveling, elderly or pregnant, diabetic or menstruating during the month of Sha’ban. Muslims are to fast from dawn to sunset abstaining from consuming food, drinking liquids along with other restrictions. Not only are you expected to abstain from physical temptations but one must observe a positive and pure mental disposition as well.

This year, the holy month of Ramadan is likely to begin on March 10 and end on April 9th. While we spend our daylight hours fasting, there is always Iftar to look forward to in the evening to break our fast.

After a challenging day of abstinence, the joy and satisfaction of a well-prepared Iftar make it all worth it. Delicious and nutritious food paired with the company of your family brings us together.

We decided to compile what Ramadan looks like around the world to celebrate this holy time and what better way to showcase this than the Iftar meal! So let’s take a look at what people around the world eat to break their fast. And who knows, you might get some ideas!

Ramadan meals around the world

Melilla, Spain

Image Source: Huffington Post

The two photos taken in 2014 show a refugee family from Syria waiting to break their fast. In the top image, you can see the family waiting around their delicious meal while the second allows you to take a peek into what they are about to share. This was taken during the holy month of Ramadan next to the Temporary Centre for Immigrants in the Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Originally from Aleppo, Syria, the family arrived about four months ago. They fled the war crossing through Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, and Morocco before arriving in Spain and are currently waiting for the Spanish authorities to allow them to travel to Europe.

Baghdad, Iraq

Image Source: Huffington Post

The images above show an Iraqi family waiting to break their fast during the Holy month of Ramadan in Baghdad, Iraq. It is observed in many cultures to cook special culinary favorites during the month of fasting. Across much of the Arab countries, the juice is made from sweet apricots is a staple during Ramadan.

Khartoum, Sudan

Image Source: Huffington Post

A Sudanese family sits together after a long day of fasting to celebrate a form of âiftarâ, an evening meal that breaks a long day of fasts. This family living in the outskirts of Khartoum in Sudan observe like several families do, in the same way, Prophet Muhammad did: with a handful of dates and a sip of water.

Gaza City, Palestinian territories

Image Source: Huffington Post

Taken in July 2014, the images show you a family gather of Palestinians sitting together to break their fast with a plate of mixed rice during the month of Ramadan at the St. Porphyrios Church in Gaza City in where they sought refuge from war. Similar to them, families who fled their houses in fear of Israeli strikes now live on the grounds of the Greek church.

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Beijing, China

The images above are from Niujie Mosque in Beijing, China. We can see large plates of delicious dishes and tea. After a long day of fasting and abstinence – fresh fruit and dates are commonly observed along with a refreshing drink to quench the day’s thirst.

Image Source: Huffington Post

Tehran, Iran

The two images are from a family Iftar in Tehran, India. Looking through these images we notice how each country follow their own tastes and preferences. While some enjoy lighter and meatier foods, there are some that are simple yet delicious. With rotis and dal and sides of salad, some meals come as wholesome as this.

Image Source: Huffington Post

Istanbul, Turkey

This presents an image of a family surrounding the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, one of Istanbul’s celebrated, in the background. After their evening prayers, families gather around the garden to break their fasts together and sit around with their family offering thanks.

Sanaa, Yemen

Image Source : Huffington Post

Above we see a Yemeni family waiting to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan in Sanaa. Fasting is a physical and mental exercise meant to bring worshippers close to God and increase empathy for the poor.

Casablanca, Morocco

Image Source: Huffington Post

The above images are of a family in Casablanca, Morocco, where they observe Iftar with their family. Iftar is observed as a time when friends and family gather around to celebrate this holy month. The celebratory meals give people reason to reconnect with friends and family and gather around shared platters of food.

Sydney Australia

Image Source: Huffington Post

Borek is a popular Iftar dish made around the world. Made from extremely thin yufka pastry, the fillings range from savories such as cheese, ground beef or spinach to potato and

sausage fillings as different options. We see

a family in Australia gathered together to break their long day of fasting.

With Iftar options from all around the world, we’d love for you to share your Iftar meals in the comments below!

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