I’ll never forget the last iftar I shared with my family two years ago before I left to study abroad.
There’s something about gathering around the table after a long day of fasting that makes you appreciate how precious these moments are.
But, for me, it was never just about the meal. It was a time for us to connect, reflect, and appreciate each other’s company. For me, iftar is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of the togetherness and love that is fostered during Ramadan.
For many, iftar is a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude. Beyond breaking the fast, it is also a time to pause, appreciate, and share what we have with those who need it most.
Yet, for some, iftar holds an even deeper significance – it becomes a lifeline to community, compassion, and even activism.
“For the longest time, my parents taught us to share food, especially with those less fortunate. For the past five years, we have always helped migrant workers.
Iftar is more than just breaking the fast; it’s about sharing, especially during this month of Ramadan, when we count our blessings and share what we have been given with others. It’s about sharing with those around us, especially the less fortunate.
I want to ensure that all migrant workers, regardless of race or religion, can benefit from the campaign we run as a Halal social kitchen, where we provide meals to migrant workers. I’m also grateful for the volunteers who have supported our #RamadhanWithBhaiya campaign and its iftar distributions. I feel they are the ones with the biggest hearts when it comes to all the work we do.”
– Faiz Roslan, 31, Founder of F-FRY
“This will be my seventh year celebrating Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr away from home. Of course, I feel a sense of sadness during this month as it reminds me of the fact that I’m far away from my family. When I’m back home in Indonesia, I’m always happy to reunite with them.
However, I still feel like I have a family here in Singapore, thanks to the family I work for. They’ve made iftar far more meaningful for me. I’m truly grateful that I’m not seen just as an employee but as someone who has become part of their family.
Ramadan is a time for us to give back to the community, and although I may be helping on a smaller scale, I feel fulfilled in my role – serving and cooking iftar meals for the family.”
– Lina, 36, Domestic Helper
“The ‘Jom Berbuka with Kindness’ event was a community iftar to foster interfaith harmony and community understanding through a simple, yet powerful act of sharing a meal. The event included members from various organisations like the Lions Befrienders, ex-offenders, their families, and volunteers from about 20 other ground-up movements.
It’s really a reflection of the Singapore spirit as well to show how we can be united in diversity and come together, embracing kindness and understanding across different communities. As far as they go, I think [iftar] is not so much about breaking the fast, but also breaking the barriers between the different communities.
Iftars are a moment of reflection and as well as gratitude. It is about empathising with others who may not have the privilege of having meals. It’s also the community spirit.
Everyone is a lot more selfless during this month, be it non-Muslims who want to get that experience, for instance. I’ve known many of my friends who, for a day or two, would just fast with me and then learn about how it feels like breaking the routine of their day-to-day lives.”
– Mohamed Anas, 28, Vice President at Roses of Peace
“Iftar is a beautiful time as it brings people together to break their fast after a long day despite our busy schedules. Everyone makes an effort to come home and eat together.
Missing our loved ones who are gone and never having a chance to break our fast together again left a lasting impact on me. Having iftar together with a complete family is what made me truly happy.
One of the most powerful lessons of iftar is the sense of generosity. When you cook or bake for others, it’s not just about providing nourishment, but also offering love, care, and a sense of connection. The act of preparing a meal for someone, especially during a time like Ramadan, can feel incredibly fulfilling.
Small acts of kindness like offering food can make a lasting impact. When you give to others, whether through preparing food or simply sharing a moment together, it brings joy that transcends the meal itself.”
– Anna, 53, Founder of Home-Based Bakery
At its core, iftar – the Arabic word for the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan – marks the moment Muslims break their fast during the Maghrib call to prayer. But as shared by these individuals, iftar is more than just a meal.
Whether it is through volunteering with migrant workers, preparing food for loved ones, or strangers coming together to share a meal, the essence remains the same: kindness connects us all, and iftar has given us, as a community, an opportunity to be kind to one another.
What does iftar mean to you? Let us know!