❖ Correct and Incorrect Ways of Breaking the Fast in Light of Qur’an and Sunnah ❖
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
A concerning trend has emerged in recent times where people have begun adopting non-Islamic methods of breaking their fasts. Some rely on mosque sirens or alarm sounds, others wait until the entire adhān is completed, and some follow unproven rituals and customs.
All of these methods are not in accordance with Sharīʿah.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1957, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1098)
Translation:
“People will continue to remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
This Hadith clearly shows that delaying iftār is discouraged. The Sunnah is to break the fast as soon as the sun sets.
After breaking the fast, the Prophet ﷺ would recite the following duʿā:
"ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ"
(Abū Dāwūd: 2357)
Translation:
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.”
This duʿā is authentically proven from the Sunnah and should be recited at the time of iftār.
This practice has no basis in the Sunnah or the actions of the Companions رضي الله عنهم. Relying on such innovations contradicts the Prophetic method.
There is no evidence in the Sharīʿah that one must wait until the end of the adhān to break the fast. The correct method is to break the fast immediately upon sunset, even if the adhān is still ongoing.
Adding unauthenticated or newly invented duʿās or methods to iftār constitutes bidʿah (innovation). The religion is complete, and every innovation is misguidance.
Muslims must strive to avoid non-Islamic practices and adhere to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when breaking the fast. Introducing unproven acts into the religion is an innovation, and it is our duty to protect ourselves and others from every form of bidʿah.
May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to follow Islam in its pure and original form, and may He protect us from all forms of innovation.
Āmīn!
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
✿ The Correct Islamic Method of Iftār (Breaking the Fast)
A concerning trend has emerged in recent times where people have begun adopting non-Islamic methods of breaking their fasts. Some rely on mosque sirens or alarm sounds, others wait until the entire adhān is completed, and some follow unproven rituals and customs.
All of these methods are not in accordance with Sharīʿah.✔ What is the Sunnah Method?
① Breaking the Fast Immediately After Sunset Is Sunnah
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1957, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1098)
Translation:
“People will continue to remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
This Hadith clearly shows that delaying iftār is discouraged. The Sunnah is to break the fast as soon as the sun sets.② Recite “Bismillah” and the Authentic Iftār Duʿā
After breaking the fast, the Prophet ﷺ would recite the following duʿā:
"ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ"
(Abū Dāwūd: 2357)
Translation:
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.”
This duʿā is authentically proven from the Sunnah and should be recited at the time of iftār.✘ Incorrect Practices That Must Be Abandoned
✖ Waiting for Sirens or Alarm Sounds from Mosques
This practice has no basis in the Sunnah or the actions of the Companions رضي الله عنهم. Relying on such innovations contradicts the Prophetic method.
✖ Delaying Iftār Until the Adhān is Fully Completed
There is no evidence in the Sharīʿah that one must wait until the end of the adhān to break the fast. The correct method is to break the fast immediately upon sunset, even if the adhān is still ongoing.
✖ Inventing New Duʿās or Self-Made Rituals
Adding unauthenticated or newly invented duʿās or methods to iftār constitutes bidʿah (innovation). The religion is complete, and every innovation is misguidance.
A Vital Reminder for the Muslim Ummah
Muslims must strive to avoid non-Islamic practices and adhere to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when breaking the fast. Introducing unproven acts into the religion is an innovation, and it is our duty to protect ourselves and others from every form of bidʿah.
Supplication:
May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to follow Islam in its pure and original form, and may He protect us from all forms of innovation.
Āmīn!
