What time is Iftar today? Sunset times for London, Bradford, Birmingham, Cardiff and more
MUSLIMS across the UK are fasting over the holy month of Ramadan while adapting traditions to coronavirus restrictions.
Worshippers taking part in the month-long fast reflect on the first revelation of the Koran to Muhammad and have found novel ways to come together to break the fast with a meal called Iftar.
What time is Iftar today in London?
Iftar times vary across the UK according to sunrise and sunset.
Below are the times for London:
- May 21: 8.58pm
- May 22: 9.00pm
- May 23: 9.01pm
- May 24: 9.02pm
What time is Iftar elsewhere in the UK?
- Birmingham: 6 minutes later than London
- Bradford: 8 minutes later than London
- Cardiff: 12 minutes later than London
- Glasgow: 40 minutes later than London
- Leeds: 4 minutes later than London
- Liverpool: 9 minutes later than London
- Manchester: 7 minutes later than London
- Middlesbrough: 14 minutes later than London
What happens at Iftar?
Muslims must fast between sunrise and sunset every day in Ramadan.
However, they are able to enjoy one meal "pre-dawn" and one after sunset each day.
Iftar is the meal eaten after the fourth prayer of the day, the Maghrib, which happens just after sunset.
In Arabic, iftar means "break of a fast", and fatoor means "breakfast".
It is the second meal of the day during Ramadan as those taking part in the fast must not eat or drink anything during daylight hours.
The Sehri is consumed in the morning and can be as early as 2.30am.
The Iftar is considered a blessing, often enjoyed as a community.
It is thought not eating during daylight hours, as well as not drinking, smoking or indulging in sex will lead to greater "taqwa" or consciousness of God.
The time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship is thought to teach followers how to be more self-disciplined and have empathy for those less fortunate.
But with lockdown measures in place, gatherings will need to be kept according to government guidelines.
When does Ramadan end?
This year, Ramadan began on Thursday, April 23 and is set to end on Saturday, May 23.
The fast is 30 days long and the beginning and end are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar – meaning it depends on when the new moon is sighted.
Hilal, the crescent, is usually a day or more after the astronomical new moon.
The "night of power" or "night of decree" is considered the holiest night of the year, as Muslims believe the first revelation of the Koran was sent down to Muhammad on this night.
It's thought to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan - the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.
The first day of fasting began on April, 24, 2020 and the final Iftar should take place on the evening of May 23.
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.
This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
A common greeting is Ramadan Mubarak, which means "have a blessed Ramadan".
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