Workplace Iftar Planner
Host a "Breaking of Fast" event that runs smoothly. Get the timing, logistics, and etiquette right.
Workplace Iftar Planner
The complete toolkit for corporate Ramdan events.
Event Details
£15/head
The "Perfect Flow" Schedule
👋 Guest Arrival
No food yet. Staff may be tired/quiet. Low energy requirement.
🌒 SUNSET (The Maghrib Moment)
CRITICAL: Serve water & dates immediately. Silence music.
🕌 Prayer Break (15 mins)
Muslim staff retreat to prayer space. Non-Muslims network.
🍽️ Main Meal Served
Now serve the heavy food. Speeches can happen 15 mins after this.
How to Host the Perfect Workplace Iftar
Hosting an Iftar isn't just about feeding people. It's about signalling deep inclusivity. Here is everything a manager needs to know to get it right.
What is an Iftar?
Iftar (literally "break-fast") is the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan. After abstaining from all food and water for 15-19 hours, this moment is physically and spiritually profound.
In a corporate context, hosting an Iftar is a powerful gesture. It tells your Muslim staff: "We see your sacrifice, we respect your schedule, and we want to share this moment with you."
The "Maghrib" Timing Rule
The most critical rule of Iftar is timing. Muslim staff cannot eat 1 minute before sunset, and it is discouraged to delay eating once the sun has
set.
The Danger Zone: Taking 10 minutes to "finish
a speech" while the sun has set is a major faux-pas. It leaves
hungry, dehydrated staff watching food they cannot touch, or waiting
politely while their body screams for water.
The Fix: Use our tool above to pin the exact sunset time. Stop all speeches 5 minutes before this.
Step-by-Step Hosting Guide
1. The Venue Setup
Unlike a standard dinner, an Iftar requires a "Decompression Zone" for prayer. Ideally, reserve a meeting room near the dining area as a temporary prayer space. Mark the direction of Mecca (Qibla) using a compass app (or ask a staff member to help).
2. The "Dates First" Protocol
Biologically, the body needs a rapid sugar spike after fasting. Spiritually, the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with dates. Ensure every table has a bowl of dates and water ready before guests sit down. Do not make staff queue for the buffet to get their first bite.
3. The Prayer Gap
This surprises most non-Muslim managers. After eating the dates/water (introductory snack), Muslims will immediately stand up to pray Maghrib. This takes 10-15 minutes.
- Don't serve the main hot food yet (it will go cold).
- Do use this time for non-Muslim staff to network or grab a drink.
- Do invite non-Muslims to observe the prayer if they wish (respectfully, from the back), but don't force it.
Menu Planning: The Halal Minefield
"Halal" isn't just about no pork. It covers the slaughter method and cross-contamination.
- Alcohol: Do not cook with wine/beer (even if "burnt off"). Avoid alcohol-based vanilla extract in desserts.
- Gelatine: Common in mousses/cheesecakes. Ensure it is bovine (halal) or vegetarian.
- Contamination: If using an external caterer, ensure they don't use the same grill for bacon and chicken.
Common FAQs
Can non-Muslims attend?
Absolutely. It is highly encouraged. It builds immense bridge-building capital.
Should I fast too?
You don't have to, but trying a "solidarity fast" (even just for the afternoon) is often deeply appreciated by the team. It gives you a shared experience to talk about.
What if we have no budget?
A "Potluck Iftar" is very common. Ask everyone to bring one dish. Just ensure strict labelling of ingredients (Allergens + Halal status).