By CARYL ESPINOZA JAEN
The Importance Of Suhoor And Iftar During Ramadan, Explained
Ramadan is celebrated by nearly two billion Muslims and is marked by fasting during daylight hours. Suhoor and Iftar are traditional feasts eaten before dawn and after dusk.
Suhoor, which follows the fajr prayer, is a time to gather together for a hearty breakfast before the sun rises, whereas Iftar begins after the maghrib, the sunset prayer.
The delicious feasts include dishes like rice puddings, lamb tagines, and paneer fritters. For a sweet treat, halvah, made with honey and sesame seeds, is a Ramadan favorite.
Suhoor focuses on nutritious, satiating meals with complex carbs like bread, fruits, and oats, which release energy slowly, helping to stave off hunger throughout the day.
Iftar has a much greater emphasis on bite-sized platters and snacks that can be enjoyed throughout the night. Some observers of Ramadan even follow up with a dinner afterward.