History of Iftar in Timeline

Iftar is the evening meal during Ramadan when Muslims break their fast. It takes place after the adhan (call to prayer) for the Maghrib prayer, which marks the sunset. Iftar is a significant daily event during the month-long fast, providing sustenance and a sense of community.

1996: United States Department of State held an annual iftar dinner

Beginning in 1996, the United States Department of State held an annual iftar dinner for local and national community leaders, faith groups, and foreign policy officials.

1996: First official iftar at the White House

In 1996, the first official iftar was held at the White House, hosted by First Lady Hillary Clinton.

2012: Iftar recognized at synagogues in Chicago

In 2012, iftar was recognized with events at three synagogues in Chicago, Illinois.

2015: First iftar hosted at the prime minister's residence

In 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper hosted Muslim leaders to break the Ramadan fast with him at the prime minister's residence, marking the first time the prime minister's office had hosted an iftar.

2016: Annual iftar meals held at the White House until 2016

Until 2016, iftar meals were held annually at the White House and hosted by the U.S. president and the first lady.

June 2017: First iftar under the Trump administration held at the Pentagon

In June 2017, the Pentagon continued its tradition of holding an iftar for Muslim members of the U.S. armed forces and special guests from other nations; the first such iftar under the Trump administration was held on 15 June 2017.

2017: President Trump did not host an iftar dinner at the White House in 2017

In 2017, President Donald Trump did not host an iftar dinner at the White House in his first year in office.

June 6, 2018: Iftar dinner resumed at the White House

On June 6, 2018, President Donald Trump resumed the tradition of hosting an iftar dinner at the White House, hosting friends and diplomatic staff from many Muslim-majority nations.

2023: UNESCO designated iftar as an Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2023, UNESCO designated iftar as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing its role in fostering family ties, promoting charity, and preserving cultural heritage.

2023: UNESCO adds iftar to its list

In 2023, UNESCO recognized the cultural importance of iftar and added it to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2023: Tradition of iftar officially started in Ukraine

In 2023, the president of Ukraine officially started the tradition of iftar due to the presence of Crimean Tatars—Turkic-speaking Muslims (Crimean Peninsula) in the country.