What Should Be Used to Break the Fast?

Authored by: Sheikh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (May Allah preserve him)

Question:​

Can you enlighten us on what the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to break his fast with?

Answer:​

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recommended and personally practiced breaking the fast with dates, and in their absence, with water.

1. Sunnah Practice for Breaking the Fast:
   Salman ibn Aamir (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
   "When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates, for they are blessed. If he cannot find dates, then let him break it with water, for it is purifying."
   (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Book of Zakat: Chapter on Charity for Relatives, Hadith 657; Abu Dawood, Hadith 2355; Musnad Ahmad, 4/17-18; Ibn Majah, Hadith 1699; Al-Darimi, Hadith 1708)
2. Specific Method of Breaking the Fast:
   Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported:
   "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, he would break his fast with dry dates. If there were no dates, he would take a few sips of water."
   (Abu Dawood, Book of Fasting: Chapter on What to Break the Fast With, Hadith 2356; Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 696; Al-Daraqutni, 2/185; Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, 1/432)
3. Immediate Breaking of the Fast:
   Anas (رضي الله عنه) also said:
   "I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) pray the Maghrib prayer without first breaking his fast, even if it was with a sip of water."
   (Mawarid al-Zam’an, Hadith 890; Musnad Abu Ya'la, 6/424, Hadith 3792)

Benefits of Dates and Water for Breaking the Fast:​

1. Dates:
   
   • Dates provide instant energy and nutrition, replenishing the body’s strength after a day of fasting.
   • They are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and essential nutrients.
2. Water:
   
   • Water purifies and rehydrates the body, compensating for the fluid loss during fasting.

Conclusion:​

The Sunnah method of breaking the fast is to use fresh dates, if available, or dry dates. If dates are not available, a few sips of water suffice. This practice is both spiritually rewarding and physically beneficial, as it aligns with the natural needs of the body after fasting.

Allah knows best!