What is Iftar? Sunnah Ways to Break the Fast

Iftar (الإفطار) is one of the most sacred and joyous moments for a fasting Muslim. It is the meal that marks the end of the daily fast at Maghrib (sunset) and is a time of gratitude, reflection, and divine blessings. More than just a physical need, Iftar represents the fulfillment of an act of worship prescribed by Allah ﷻ. It is a moment where Muslims thank their Creator for granting them the strength to complete another day of fasting.

The Quran and Sunnah provide clear guidance on the proper way to break the fast. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged hastening to break the fast, using dates or water, and reciting specific supplications (du’as). He also emphasized moderation in eating and the immense reward for feeding others at Iftar.

This article explores the importance of Iftar in Islam, the Sunnah practices of breaking the fast, and the spiritual and physical benefits of observing Iftar in the way prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ. Supported by Quranic and Hadith references in both Arabic and English, this guide will help Muslims maximize the rewards and blessings of this special moment in their daily fasting routine.

What is Iftar?

The term “Iftar” (الإفطار) literally means “breaking the fast.” It refers to the meal eaten at sunset to conclude the day’s fast. The significance of Iftar is highlighted in Islam as a moment of mercy and reward.

Quranic Reference for Breaking the Fast

Allah ﷻ mentions the rewards for fasting in the Quran:

﴿وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلْخَيْطُ ٱلْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ ٱلْخَيْطِ ٱلْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ ٱلْفَجْرِ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا ٱلصِّيَامَ إِلَى ٱلَّيْلِ﴾

“And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

This verse establishes that the fast must continue until nightfall, which begins at Maghrib (sunset). This is the designated time for Iftar.

The Joy of the Fasting Person at Iftar

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the happiness that comes with breaking the fast:

النبي ﷺ قال: «لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ، فَرْحَةٌ عِندَ فِطْرِهِ، وَفَرْحَةٌ عِندَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ»

“The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and another when he meets his Lord.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1904, Muslim 1151)

This hadith shows that Iftar is not just a physical relief but also a moment of spiritual joy, as a believer successfully completes an act of worship.

The Sunnah Ways to Break the Fast

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated specific Sunnah (prophetic traditions) regarding how to break the fast properly. Observing these Sunnahs brings extra rewards and blessings.

Hastening to Break the Fast

It is Sunnah to break the fast immediately at Maghrib without delay.

النبي ﷺ قال: «لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ»

“The people will continue to be upon goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1957, Sahih Muslim 1098)

This shows that delaying Iftar unnecessarily is against the Sunnah.

Breaking the Fast with Fresh or Dry Dates

The Prophet ﷺ preferred to break his fast with dates.

أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال: «كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُفْطِرُ عَلَىٰ رُطَبَاتٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَعَلَىٰ تَمَرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَمَرَاتٌ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ»

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates before performing prayer; if there were no fresh dates, then with dry dates; and if there were no dates, he would take a few sips of water.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2356, Tirmidhi 696, Hasan)

Thus, the best Sunnah practice is to eat:

• Fresh dates (رطب) first
• If not available, dry dates (تمر)
• If no dates, then water

Reciting the Du’a (Supplication) at Iftar

The Prophet ﷺ would say a special du’a (supplication) at the time of breaking the fast:

«ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ»

“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2357, Hasan)

This du’a expresses gratitude to Allah for providing sustenance after a long day of fasting.

Avoiding Overeating at Iftar

Although Iftar is a time of joy, it is not Sunnah to overeat. The Prophet ﷺ advised moderation in eating:

النبي ﷺ قال: «مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ»

“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for him to eat a few mouthfuls to give him energy.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3349, Hasan)

Feeding Others at Iftar

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged feeding those who are fasting:

النبي ﷺ قال: «مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ، غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لَا يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ شَيْئًا»

“Whoever provides Iftar for a fasting person will have a reward equal to theirs, without it decreasing their reward.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 807, Sahih Ibn Majah 1746)

Providing Iftar to others, especially the needy, is a highly rewarded Sunnah in Islam.

Foods Recommended for Iftar

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged eating simple, nutritious, and easily digestible foods at Iftar to restore energy without harming the body. Following the Sunnah in food choices enhances both spiritual and physical well-being.

Dates (تمر)

The best and most recommended food for Iftar is dates. The Prophet ﷺ said:

«كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُفْطِرُ عَلَىٰ رُطَبَاتٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَعَلَىٰ تَمَرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَمَرَاتٌ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ»

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, then with dry dates; if there were none, he would take a few sips of water.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2356, Tirmidhi 696, Hasan)

Water (ماء)

Drinking water at Iftar hydrates the body and prepares the stomach for food. Cold water is refreshing but should be consumed in moderation.

Milk (لبن) and Yogurt

Milk and yogurt aid digestion, provide calcium, and soothe the stomach after fasting.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits like bananas, oranges, and watermelon provide natural sugars and hydration. Vegetables offer essential vitamins and fiber.

Light Soups and Lentils

Soups, especially lentil soup, are easy to digest and provide warmth to the stomach.

Whole Grains and Lean Proteins

Foods like brown rice, oats, fish, and chicken provide lasting energy without causing bloating.

Avoid Overeating and Unhealthy Foods

Excessive fried, oily, and sugary foods should be avoided as they cause fatigue and discomfort.

Following these Sunnah-based food choices ensures a healthy and spiritually fulfilling Iftar experience.

Conclusion

Iftar is more than just the act of breaking the fast; it is a deeply spiritual moment filled with gratitude, joy, and divine blessings. It marks the completion of a day of fasting, an act of worship that brings immense rewards from Allah ﷻ. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, such as hastening to break the fast, eating dates or drinking water first, reciting the prescribed du’a, and maintaining moderation, a Muslim ensures that their Iftar is not just physically nourishing but spiritually rewarding.

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of sharing Iftar, as feeding a fasting person multiplies one’s rewards. Additionally, controlling one’s diet and avoiding overindulgence aligns with the Islamic principles of moderation and self-discipline.

Iftar is a moment of reflection, reminding Muslims of the blessings of sustenance and the struggles of those who lack food. It is a time to make du’a, seek forgiveness, and increase in good deeds.

By observing Iftar in accordance with the Sunnah, we maximize the rewards of fasting and strengthen our connection with Allah ﷻ. May He accept our fasts, grant us sincerity in worship, and allow us to benefit from the blessings of Ramadan. Ameen.