Iftar: Meal or not?

REALEE GABARRA

“Eating a meal during Iftar is much more satisfying than the usual meal,” uttered by one of our Muslim brothers here at Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City.

After a day of fasting which is full of discipline, patience, and piety from those who observe Ramadan, they look forward to the Iftar which serves as a break from the activity of not taking anything, even their saliva. Iftar is typically the meal of our Muslim brothers and sisters during sunset– a meal that brings happiness and greater satisfaction that you are victorious for a day full of commitments towards the practice you are observing. Ramadan is not an obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behavior; rather it’s an opportunity to repent for past sins and to practice self-restraint.

Our brothers and sisters also believed that Allah would open the gates of forgiveness to anyone who provides food for Iftar and those who give water will have access to the fountain and never experience thirst again.

The dates are usually the starting food of Iftar or any foods which were sweetened or water. Observing this during the month of Ramadan is necessary because it shows how committed they are to their traditions. Eating and drinking after a day of fasting or Iftar is only permissible until the “white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn”.

As the Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City, specifically the Muslim Student’s Association, Islamic Studies Student’s Association,T Moro Civic Student’s Organization, and other partner organizations initiated the Grand Iftar at University Gymnasium by having a theme “Strengthening Relationship with Allah” showed that the university as a whole respects this holy month of Ramadan and to share the love and care towards our Muslim brothers and sisters. It was an event where our Muslim brothers and sisters gathered together to have a meal with their friends and families at the institution. It also showed how considerate the university was with regard to the respect for the different traditions observed by the members of the university.

“It’s just a meal but every bite of it is more satisfying and fulfilling because it’s a sign of victory at the end of a day, I could feel that I am a better Muslim after every Iftar,” words spoken by an MSUan. These words are proof that Ramadan or Iftar is not just an obligation that they must do, rather it is their desire and commitment as part of the community to show that they truly respect their traditions and laws stated in their Qur’ an. As a person not included in the said group, I was amazed by how dedicated they are with regard to this tradition. It’s proof that they live not just by words that they are included in this group rather it manifested in their daily actions, especially during this holy month of Ramadan.