Iftar (Breaking the Fast)
Muslims break their fast immediately after the sunset, by eating or drinking something.
| ‘Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه narrated: Allah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "When night falls from this side and the day vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast."
(Bukhari) |
The time for Maghrib Salah (Sunset Prayer) is immediately after sunset.
In the month of Ramadan (Fasting), Maghrib Salah (Sunset Prayer) is offered after a brief Iftar Iftar (Breaking the Fast). Dinner followsIftar (Breaking the Fast).
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم used to recite a small Du’a (Supplication) before Iftar (Break Fast). Muslims should memorize it and recite it at the time of Iftar (Breaking the Fast).
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
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Allahumma laka sumtu wa-‘ala rizqika aftartu |
“O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.”
(Abu Dawud) |
All Muslims should try to memorize this small Du'a (Supplication). Following the tradition of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , one should hasten for Iftar (Break Fast).
Sahl bin Sa'd رضي الله عنه reported Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying: The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast. (Muslim) |
Iftar (Breaking the Fast) should not be rushed through, but one should also remember that Maghrib Salah (Sunset Prayer) is to be offered after it. The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم used to do his Iftar (Breaking the Fast) with dates and water.
Muslims try their best to follow this Sunnah (Traditions of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ) by breaking their fasts with dates and water. He used to take his dinner after the Maghrib Salah (Sunset Prayer).
Any other Halal (Lawful) food can also be used for Iftar (Breaking the Fast). In the month of Ramadan (Fasting), Nafl Salah (Extra Obligatory Prayers) are offered after the ‘Isha” Salah (Night Prayer).
These special Nafl Salah (Extra Obligatory Prayers) are called the Tarawih
Salah. |
