Ramadan Special
Iftar- Breaking Fast
August 19, 2009.
Hastening In Breaking The Fast:
It is preferred for the fasting person to hasten in breaking the fast when the sun has set.
Sahl ibn Sa`d reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast.” [Bukhari and Muslim]. Sahl also reports that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The Ummah will not cease to be upon my Sunnah as long as they do not await the stars when breaking the fast”. [Ibn Hibban; Sahih]
‘Amr ibn Maimun adds: “The companions of Muhammad (SAW), would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Suhoor.” [al-Baihaqi, Abdur-Razzaq and al-Haithami; Sahih]. He (SAW) said: “The religion [of Islam] shall continue to prevail as long as people hasten breaking the fast, for the Jews and Christians delay it” [Sahih al-Jami`]
Abud-Dardaa’ said: “Three things are from the manners of the Prophets: Hastening in breaking the fast, delaying the Suhoor, and placing the right hand upon the left in prayer”. [Tabarani]. Ahmad and Abu Dawood recorded through Anas with a Hasan Isnad that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to break the fast before praying.
He (SAW) used not to pray Maghrib unless he breaks his fast, even if it be a sip of water. [Sahih al-Jami`]
The fast should be broken with dates or, if that is not available, with some water.
Anas reported: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water.” [Abu Dawud, al-Hakim and at-Tirmithi, / Sahih al-Jami`]
Sulaiman ibn ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: “If one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates. If dates are not available, then with water, for water is purifying.” [Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi]
After the prayer, the person may continue to eat, but if the evening meal is ready, one may begin with that. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “If the food is already presented, eat before the sunset prayer and do not eat your meals in haste.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Supplications While Breaking The Fast
We have already mentioned in the virtues of Fasting that at the time of breaking the fast supplication is granted. Moreover, you are encouraged, Dear Sister, if you want more reward, to feed fasting brothers and sisters for you will get the reward of their fasting besides yours!
Our Generous and Dear Prophet (SAW) said: “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting person’s reward”. [Ahmad, at-Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban; Sahih]
When invited to break the fast, the Prophet (SAW) used to supplicate for his hosts by saying:
*”Akala ta`amakumul-abraar, wa sallat `alaikumul-mala’ikah, wa aftara `indakumus-sa’imoon” May the righteous eat your food, may the angel seek forgiveness for you and may those who fast break the fast with you. [Ahmad, an-Nasa’i and others; Sahih]
*”Allahumma aT`im man aT`amanee, wasqi man saqani” O Allah feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink. [Muslim]
*”Allahumma ‘ghfir lahum warHamhum wa baarik lahum feema razaqtahum” O Allah forgive them, have mercy upon them and bless what You provided for them. [Muslim]
Adapted from various sources.
Tarawih | Suhoor | Breaking Fast | Lailatuhl Qadr | ‘Eid
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