Bukber: From the Dining Table to the Table of Brotherhood
By: Ali Aminulloh
Ramadan always brings a different atmosphere. Sunset feels more anticipated, the call to prayer (Maghrib) sounds more thrilling, and people seem to be called to rekindle togetherness. Amidst this atmosphere, there is one tradition that is almost always present every Ramadan: breaking the fast together, or what is affectionately called bukber.
Bukber is more than just a meal after a day of fasting. It is a social event that brings together many hearts at one table, one time, and one feeling of gratitude.
In various places, this tradition has grown in various forms. Students hold bukber with school friends. Young people organize long-delayed meetings. Koran study groups use it as a means of social interaction. Even state officials use it as an opportunity to strengthen social and political ties.
The venues vary.
Some are simple in the living room of a home. Others are intimate in the courtyard of a mosque. Others take place in restaurants, cafes, or even star-rated restaurants.
The motives are also not always the same. Some simply want to have fun. Others want to maintain friendships. Others strengthen social networks. Some even use it as a political platform.
But behind all these variations, breaking the fast together remains united by one common meaning: togetherness after self-restraint.
From the Prophet’s Tradition
If examined more deeply, the tradition of breaking the fast together is nothing new. Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the moment of breaking the fast has been a time filled with the spirit of sharing.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) not only broke the fast with his companions, but also encouraged his followers to feed those who were fasting.
A hadith states:
“Whoever feeds a fasting person will receive a reward like that of the fasting person, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.”
(Narrated by Tirmidhi)
This hadith demonstrates that breaking the fast is not merely a personal matter between individuals and the hunger they endure, but also a space for fostering social solidarity.
Therefore, during the time of the Prophet, breaking the fast was often a time to share food with others, especially those in need.
Traditions of the Islamic World
The tradition of breaking the fast together is not unique to Indonesia. Throughout the Muslim world, this culture has developed in various forms.
In Egypt, it is known as iftar jama’i, a communal iftar often held on long streets with large tables laden with food.
In Turkey, people gather in mosques or town squares to break the fast together.
In Pakistan, the iftar tradition features a variety of dishes shared with family and neighbors.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, people call it buka puasa (breaking the fast), often held in mosques or community centers.
The names and forms may differ, but the spirit remains the same: building togetherness in this blessed month.
Bukber and the Meaning of Silaturahmi
In Indonesia, the term bukber itself has become popular over the past two decades. The culture of abbreviations that has developed among young people and social media has made the term “buka bersama” (breaking the fast together) more concise and familiar.
However, its essence has never changed.
Bukber is a simple excuse to bring together people who haven’t seen each other for a long time. It serves as a bridge that brings old friends together, strengthens families, and rekindles strained relationships.
In the blessed atmosphere of Ramadan, a plate of dates and a glass of water can often reopen long-closed doors to hearts.
More Than Just a Meal
Ultimately, breaking the fast isn’t about the menu. Nor is it about whether the venue is luxurious or simple.
Bukber is about bringing other people into our happiness.
Ramadan teaches us that after a day of enduring hunger and thirst, the greatest happiness is not just when food is served before our eyes.
But when that food is enjoyed together.
Because that’s where Ramadan shows its most beautiful face:
not just about self-restraint, but reconnecting the bonds of humanity.**
Indonesia, March 6, 2026
——-
