The event ”Iftar for peace” highlighted the Moroccans deep-running sense of solidarity, and kindness to friends incl. Swedish Foreign minister Tobias Billström. The meal served to break the fast at sunset is known globally as iftar, but in Morocco, many refer to it as four. It typically includes a mix of sweet and savory foods, bread, pastries, dried fruits, juices or milkshakes, soup, sandwiches, and possibly even a salad and brochettes. The spread of food was more than enough to suffice as a dinner at the Moroccan ambassador residence 8th of April 2024. Hosted by Mr.Karim Medrek & Fatine Medrek Charrat.

Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan at the time of adhan (call to prayer) of the Maghrib prayer. This is their second meal of the day; the daily fast during Ramadan begins immediately after the pre-dawn meal of suhur and continues during the daylight hours, ending with sunset with the evening meal of iftar.

In 2023 UNESCO added iftar to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan, and is often done as a community, with Muslim people gathering to break their fast together. The meal is taken just after the call to the Maghrib prayer, which is around sunset. Traditionally three dates are eaten to break the fast, in emulation of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, who broke his fast in this manner, but this is not mandatory. Muslims believe that feeding someone iftar as a form of Sadaqah/Zakat/charity is very rewarding and that such was practised by Muhammad SAWS,

♦ Harira – Morocco’s famous tomato, lentil and chickpea soup
♦ Beghrir – spongy semolina pancakes served with butter and honey
♦ Moroccan beignets – light donuts often filled with jam
♦ Msemen – plain or stuffed, square-shaped pan-fried crepes
♦ Briouats – Savory nem-like pastries
♦ Batbout – a pita-like bread stuffed with sandwich fillers
♦ Kebabs – Moroccan-seasoned brochettes
♦ Mini-pizzas, quiches, and other finger food
♦ Assorted French viennoiseries
♦ Classic milkshakes or juice blends