Ramadhan Article #1

What To Do at Iftār Time

The fast is to be broken when the sun disappears completely over the horizon.
This is the advent of the Maghrib prayer. The Prophet (saw) said: "Once night
comes from there and the day disappears from there, and the sun has set, the
fasting person should break his fast." (Bukhārī)

On breaking the fast one should invoke the corroborated duā' of the Prophet
(saw) which is "Dhahabal-zama'a, wabtallat al-'urooq, wa thabat al-ajr insha'
Allāh" (The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain,
insha' Allāh)." (al-Hākim)

This is one of those blessed times within the blessed time of Ramaḍān when one's
supplications are certainly responded to as  Allāh (swt) informs us, "The fasting
person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he
meets his Lord and rejoices over his fasting." (Muslim)


 

It is recommended to break the fast following the sunnāh of the Prophet (saw):

Anas (raa) said, "The Prophet (saw) used to break his fast with fresh dates before

praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates

were not available, he would have a few sips of water." (TirmidhĪ)

 

Consider how refreshing and delicious water and food taste after a day of fasting.

It is times like this that we should reflect on some of the simple blessings that  Allāh

(swt) has bestowed upon us: So which of the favours of your Lord will you both

(Jinn and Mankind) deny? [Q55:13]

 

Do not make your meals so elaborate that they become feasts fit for kings. Retain

a sense of balance and proportion. The prophet (saw) said, "The Son of ®dam fills

no vessel more displeasing to  Allāh than his stomach. A few morsels should be

enough for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food, a third for his drink and a third for easy breathing." (Ahmad)

 

Do not be gluttonous with the food as fasting is not just about abstinence during

the day but is also about worship at night. It would become difficult to pray if one

has overeaten. The result of excessive meals is that much of the blood flow to the brain is restricted and is diverted towards the intestines this results in the effective

reduction of oxygen to the brain causing drowsiness. So eat moderately and remain alert. Finally, make sure you are carrying dates or water with you whilst in transit.