UNESCO recognizes Ramadan ‘iftar’ as intangible cultural heritage of humanity

IRIC — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:19:58 +0000

The UNESCO officially acknowledged Ramadan ‘iftar’ as an integral component of intangible cultural heritage.

Iftar, the evening meal signifying the conclusion of daily fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, has been included in UNESCO’s catalog of cultural treasures.

Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with Muslim people gathering to break their fast together. The meal is taken just after the call to the Maghrib prayer, which is around sunset.

The application to recognize this sociocultural tradition was jointly submitted by Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan to UNESCO.

“Iftar (also known as Eftari or Iftor) is a significant observance for Muslims at sunset during the month of Ramadan, following the fulfillment of all religious and ceremonial practices,” stated UNESCO.

The meal, which follows the sunset call to Maghreb prayer during Ramadan, is associated with gatherings “strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange,” it said.

Ramadan is a very popular time to eat dates because the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.” Dates can be found on iftar tables all over the world during the Holy month of Ramadan for Muslim families to enjoy surrounded by their loved ones.

This age-old communal tradition gained recognition from the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently convened in Botswana.

The UN body said that “the iftar practice is typically transmitted within families and children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals.”

Ramadan marks a time where Muslims gather together, especially in the presence of family. In turn, being able to come together during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast meal) gives us the much needed time to connect and bond with our families.

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.

As the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a month of giving as well as fasting.

Source: The Daily Star

Ramadan Fasting – Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

UNESCO recognizes Ramadan ‘iftar’ as intangible cultural heritage of humanity