The deepest desire of all creation is to please the Creator and earn His closeness. As the most honoured creation of Allah, human beings seek His pleasure above all else. The holy month of Ramadan offers believers a special opportunity to draw nearer to Him through fasting, prayer and charity.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There are two joys for the fasting person: one at the time of breaking the fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.” (Mishkat al-Masabih)
The happiness felt at iftar is unique. After a long day of restraint, the heart fills with peace and gratitude. As the moment of breaking the fast arrives, the fasting person’s face reflects contentment that words cannot fully describe.
Breaking the fast with dates is a Sunnah. Hazrat Salman ibn Amir (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dates, for there is blessing in them. If dates are not available, then with water, for it is purifying.” (Jami' at-Tirmidhi)
The recommended supplication at iftar is: “Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa ‘alaika tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu.”
Meaning: “O Allah, I fasted for You, believed in You, relied on You, and broke my fast with Your provision.”
Islam also places great emphasis on feeding those who fast. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have his sins forgiven and be saved from the punishment of Hell.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi)
Another narration states that whoever provides lawful food or drink to a fasting Muslim will receive prayers from angels throughout Ramadan, and forgiveness will be sought for him on the Night of Power. Such honour raises a believer’s status in the sight of Allah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) further promised: “Whoever gives water to a fasting person, Allah will grant him a drink from my pool such that he will never feel thirsty until he enters Paradise.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah)
Some mistakenly believe that breaking the fast at another person’s home reduces the reward of fasting. This is incorrect. The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated that the one who feeds a fasting person receives a reward equal to that of the fasting individual, without any reduction in the latter’s reward. (Bayhaqi)
May Allah grant us the ability to practise these teachings and earn His pleasure. Ameen.
Author: Mohammed Nurul Absar Taiyobi is a writer, researcher, and Islamic thinker. He is the Founder President of the Expatriate Journalists Association (PRASAS) based in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Research Center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For correspondence, he can be reached at: muntyping@gmail.com
