Hasten to Break Fast

The Lawgiver highly recommended rule that the fast be broken
as soon as the sun sets is certain. Although newspapers, in their
daily almanac, mention the time of sunset and sunrise, one
should be strongly advised to look through the window to make
sure the sun has set. For example, you might hear that “Today’s
sunrise is at 6:50 a.m. and sunset at 4:58 p.m.,” and when you
look outside, you find that there is still light out side. By sunset
it is meant the disappearance of the sun from the western hori-
zon.

In the books of Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah
(saas) said:

“The people will always remain in a good state of mind
and body (during fast) so far as they hurry in the break-
ing of the fast and delay the sahuur.”

It is recommended also to break the fast with fresh dates, rutub,
and in odd numbers, or tamr, regular table or supermarket
dates, or water. If dates are not available, any fruit will do. If
there is no food or drink to break the fast with, intend in your
heart to break fast, and whenever food is available you should
eat.

In a report by Anas (raa), he said:

“The Prophet (saas) used to break fast with fresh, ripe
dates rutub, before he offered his Maghrib prayer. If
they were not available, he would break with regular
dates, or drink water if there were no dates.” (Abu
Dawud Tirmidhi)

In this report, there is an indication that with the Messenger of
Allah (saas) breaking fast precedes evening prayer, Maghrib,
as if to say the last meal before fast precedes the morning

prayer. Likewise, the first meal at the time of iftaar, the fast
breaking meal, precedes evening prayer, Maghrib. Hence, the
procedure at Iftaar goes like this: break with a light meal, pref-
erably dates, make Iqamah for Maghrib prayer, then take your
regular meal.

The meal, may be taken with the family at home, or friends and
relatives may be invited to the Iftaar as we shall see that chari-
table works are highly recommended in the month of Ramadan.
Over the years phenomenon have evolved in different masajid,
and Islamic Centers in the United States of America and else-
where, where arrangements are made by the believers to break
fast in jama’ ah in the masajid. These gatherings are excellent
and are encouraged as they lead to Taraweeh prayer in Ja-
maa ^ah in the masjid.

 

Essentials of Ramadan The Month of Fasting