Ramadan Food

Food plays an important role during Ramadan. We will be sharing Iftar recipes on our Facebook page, with practical ideas that can be adapted for family meals.

 
Some donors may also choose to host Iftar gatherings to support our work. If you are considering this, we can provide materials such as pull-up banners, brochures, T-shirts, and more to help you organise the occasion. Speak to our team on +44 (0)1274 424 444 during office hours, or email [email protected].

Alongside this, the section below explores four food-related reflections inspired by the eating habits of the Prophet (ﷺ), with a focus on moderation in everyday meals.

Keeping Meals Simple

Historic accounts from the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) suggest that meals were generally straightforward.

One such example is the wedding banquet he hosted for his marriage to Safiyyah (RA), which is described as consisting of dates, dried yoghurt, butter, and a sweet dish known as hais. Even on this occasion, the meal was modest and based on simple foods.

What to Keep in the Cupboard and Fridge

We know from the hadith that the food which made up the Prophet’s (ﷺ) regular diet consisted of the following:

• Dates
• Barley Bread
• Yoghurt
• Olive oil
• Cucumber
• Honey
• Milk
• Gourd
• Meat on occasion and in moderation

Planning Portions and Pacing Meals

Eating slowly, pausing between bites, and drinking water alongside food can make it easier to recognise when enough has been eaten. This reflects the guidance found in the hadith below.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must [fill it], then one-third of food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Ibn Majah)

Continuing Fasting Beyond Ramadan

For many people, Ramadan introduces patterns of eating and fasting that feel different from the rest of the year. Historically, however, fasting also formed part of everyday life beyond Ramadan.

It is reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) would fast regularly on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month. On days when he was not fasting, meals were generally limited rather than frequent.

It was narrated by Aishah (RA): “The family of Muhammad (ﷺ) did not eat two meals in one day but one of them was dates.” (Bukhari)

Many families rely on the food programmes we support through Shaukat Khanum in Pakistan. A donation of £50 can help provide meals for 10 days. With £150, you can help feed someone for the entire month.

Your generosity will be counted as Sadaqah, a voluntary charity.