Ramadan fast; according to tradition, Muhammad broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. Social gatherings, many times in a buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, and particularly those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages. In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more
Fast of the Firstborn not hear the completion of the tractate, or if he does not understand what he hears, or if he is in the "shiva" period of mourning and is thus forbidden from listening to the Torah material being taught, some authorities rule that subsequent eating would not qualify as a "seudat mitzvah" and he would therefore be forbidden to break his fast. Other authorities allow a firstborn to break his fast under such circumstances. The "Minchas Yitzchak" (ibid.) suggests that a firstborn in such a position should at least try to contribute to the "siyum" in some way, such as by