Iftar Today: Fasting and Prayer Times for Monday, 23 February 2026

BERLIN, 23 February 2026 — As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, millions of Muslims across Germany are observing the sixth day of fasting today. This year is marked by a rare spiritual convergence, as the Islamic month of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season began simultaneously last Wednesday, 18 February. For those observing the fast, “Iftar heute” (Iftar today) remains the most critical focal point of the daily schedule, marking the moment of spiritual and physical replenishment.

What is Iftar? Understanding the Evening Meal

Iftar (Arabic: إفطار) is the meal served at sunset that ends the daily Ramadan fast. Traditionally, the fast is broken just as the Prophet Muhammad did: with a date and a sip of water, followed by the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. In Germany, where the Muslim community is diverse, Iftar has evolved into a significant social event, often involving communal meals in mosques, community centres, and private homes.

The timing of Iftar is dictated by the astronomical sunset. Because the sun sets at different times depending on the geographical location, Muslims in cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Munich will break their fast at slightly different intervals.

Iftar and Prayer Times: Monday, 23 February 2026

According to current astronomical data and regional prayer schedules for the sixth day of Ramadan, here are the approximate times for major German cities. Please note that local mosque schedules (such as those from Diyanet or the MWL) may vary by 1–2 minutes based on their specific calculation methods.

The Importance of Sahur

While Iftar is the evening celebration, “Sahur” is the vital pre-dawn meal. It must be completed before the Fajr prayer begins. Scholars emphasize that Sahur provides the necessary energy for the day ahead and is a blessed tradition in Islamic practice.

Community Events and Interreligious Dialogue

The 2026 Ramadan season has seen a surge in interfaith activities due to the calendar overlap with Lent. In cities like Braunschweig and Rheinfelden, “interreligious walks” and communal Iftar dinners have been organised to foster understanding between different faith groups. These events allow non-Muslims to experience the hospitality of Iftar while discussing the shared values of self-discipline and charity common to both fasting traditions.

Regional Highlights

• Rheinfelden: The city has announced public Iftar dates for Monday, 2 March, and Friday, 6 March, starting at 18:00 to encourage community encounter.
• Bad Fallingbostel: Local eateries like Suvai Kitchen have introduced dedicated Iftar menus to cater to the growing demand for communal breaking of the fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the time for Iftar change every day?

Iftar is tied to the Maghrib prayer, which begins exactly at sunset. As the days gradually lengthen in late February and early March, the sunset occurs approximately one to two minutes later each day.

What should I eat during Iftar?

While traditions vary, it is recommended to start with easily digestible carbohydrates like dates to stabilize blood sugar levels. Nutritionists suggest a balanced meal following the prayer, avoiding overly salty or fried foods to maintain hydration for the following day’s fast.

Who is exempt from fasting?

According to Islamic rules, those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or travelling are exempt from fasting. Children who have not reached puberty are also not required to fast, though many participate partially to learn the tradition.

How is the start of Ramadan determined?

The beginning of the month is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon (Hilal). In 2026, the Islamic Central Council and other major authorities confirmed the first day of fasting as Wednesday, 18 February, following the moon’s birth on the evening of the 17th.