Imsak means staying away from food, drink. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) clarifies in the Glorious Qur'an the starting time of fast which is the break of dawn, saying: ...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. The Adhan for Prayer is a proclamation of the break of dawn. Therefore, you have to stop eating and drinking when you hear it.
Balanced Diet during Ramadan
Meals need to provide enough energy throughout the day,. Most dishes contain complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly, and are low in fats and sugar. Foods that hydrate like soups are common.
Iftar
Iftar begins with the eating dates, which are excellent sources of fiber. Iftar generally contains foods from all food groups; fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, beans/meat and dairy. Hydrating vegetables and fluids are also commonly consumed.
Some Traditional meals for Iftar in different countries around the World include:
Egypt – Rokak, Mahshi (stuffed vegetables), Keshk, Rabbits, and Molokheya.
Tunisia-Brik is one of the main dishes in Tunisia in Ramadan. It is stuffed with parsley and tuna, then fried in oil.
Libya-Al Bazin is a main dish on Libyan tables in Ramadan. It is made of a paste made from barley flour, tomato sauce, and sheep meat.
India – Muslims eat a dish called “Dahi Bahdi” similar to falafel with yogurt and boiled lentils, and another dish called Halim which consists of wheat, meat, and gravy.
Lebanon-The most important dishes are Tabbouleh, Man’oucheh, Kibbeh, meat with dough and grape leaves.
Qatar-Thareed is one of the main dishes in Qatar and consists of bread, meat, and gravy with vegetables.
Morocco-One of the most popular Moroccan dishes is Moroccan Harira. It is made from chickpeas, lentils, fresh vegetables, and sometimes beef. All ingredients are placed in a tomato sauce on low heat with spices such as saffron and ginger are added.
Saudi Arabia-Saudi Arabian tables cannot do without the Kabsa in Ramadan with its distinctive spices, served with rice, lamb meat, chicken, or sambousek
Chechnya-Chechen restaurants are famous for healthy foods and generosity. There are also Chechens who say that if you cook for three, the fourth person must also feel full.