Takjil
Food or drink that breaks fasts in Indonesia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Takjil refers to a light food or drink that breaks the fast in Indonesia. While the term "Takjil" applies to anything that breaks the fast, it is generally understood narrowly within the context of Ramadan because the term is seasonal (only appearing during Ramadan). In some parts of the country, the Takjil were distributed by free by government bodies[1] and armies.[2]
Takjil food are sweets such as kolak pisang, fruit soup, es campur, and others.
Etymology
The first mention of the Indonesian term takjil appears in Snouck Hurgronje's account of his visit to Aceh in 1891–1892, "De Atjehers." The account explains that the Acehnese had prepared a fast-breaking meal (takjil) in the mosque for the community, consisting of ie bu peudah, or spicy porridge.[3]
Inside Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, takjil means hasten in breaking the fast.[4] It originate from Arabic term 'ajila which means hasten before it come to current meaning of hasting in breaking the fast.[5] In Minang, takjil also known as pabukoan. There is a tradition of delivering takjil from a daughter-in-law to her father-in-law, which is called maanta pabukoan.[6]
In certain contexts, the term takjil can have the same meaning as iftar. Although both originate from Arabic, there is a difference. Iftar literally means "breaking the fast" or the moment of breaking the fast, without necessarily meaning hastening. Therefore, iftar encompasses the entire process of breaking the fast, including the main meal (heavy meal) after takjil, even after the Maghrib prayer. Simply put, takjil is part of the iftar sequence.
Takjil War
Takjil War, as the name implies, is the act of rushing to buy sweets for breaking the iftar.[7] This is where patrons fighting over fast-breaking snacks. The war here is a hyperbolic metaphor for a competition to buy snacks, not a war in the literal sense or in a negative context.
The markets will open from 3 PM till iftar time with hundreds small scale vendors selling various snacks and street foods, such as fried foods, dim sum, milk satay, and various cold drinks.[8] During this period of time, seasonal snacks and drinks will also be available to be purchased, further elevate its attractiveness.[9]
The "takjil war" is so appealing that takjil buyers aren't limited to Muslims or Indonesian citizens. Recents years have attracted even foreign tourist particpiation for the foods and sweets consumer prior iftar. In many places, non-Muslims and foreigners also enjoy this tradition. They enjoy some takjil that are hard to find outside of Ramadan or use it to create social media content.[10][11]