What is the name for the ceremonial meal which breaks the fast each evening in Ramadan?
Ramadan of Shawwal is called Eid al-Fitr. "Eid al-Fitr" may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition ("fitra") of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day. The common practice during Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the "suhur", while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the "iftar". Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charity during Ramadan. Ramadan is also a month where Muslims try to practice
Fasting during Ramadan days away from home. If the circumstance preventing fasting is temporary, a person is required to make up for the missed days after the month of Ramadan is over and before the next Ramadan arrives. Should the circumstance be permanent or present for an extended amount of time, one may recompense by feeding a needy person for every day missed. If one does not fit into any category of exemption and breaks the fast out of forgetfulness, the fast is still valid. Intentionally breaking the fast voids it, and the person must make up for the entire day later. If