Prophetic Hadiths on the Virtue of Breaking the Fast
The noble Sunnah encompasses authentic Hadiths that elaborate on the significance of providing iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) for those who are fasting. Below are some of these Hadiths:
- From Zaid ibn Khalid Al-Juhani – may Allah be pleased with him – who reported that the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person shall receive the same reward as the fasting person, without diminishing the reward of the fasting individual in any way.”
- From Umm Amarah bint Kab Al-Ansariyah – may Allah be pleased with her – it is stated that the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “The angels pray for the one who provides iftar for a fasting person until the meal is completed, and sometimes he says, ‘until they are satisfied.’”
- From Anas ibn Malik – may Allah be pleased with him – who said: The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated: “The fasting individuals have broken their fast with you, and the righteous have eaten your food, and the angels have invoked blessings upon you.”
Understanding the Noble Hadith
These prophetic traditions emphasize the immense virtue associated with providing iftar to those who are fasting. The individual who participates in this act is rewarded greatly, as fasting individuals are deserving of respect and honor. Feeding a fasting person is akin to giving charity and reflects the importance of honoring the fast, strengthening connections with those who engage in righteous deeds. It is a well-established practice among Muslims to provide iftar.
This tradition stems from the understanding of the significant rewards associated with it, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan, a time when Allah – the Most High – showers His mercy, forgiveness, and the chance to be freed from the Hellfire. There are various ways to provide iftar, including feeding the needy with the same food one enjoys or offering financial assistance to help them purchase food. These means are not limited to only the poor; they can be applied to anyone.
Assisting in breaking the fast is indeed a blessing from Allah – the Most High – as it fosters cooperation in righteousness and piety. It serves as a reminder that there are numerous avenues for individuals to engage in benevolent actions, and providing iftar for the fasting is one of the prominent ways, accentuated by the directive to break one’s fast promptly. When a person helps another in this regard, it is undoubtedly a precious blessing from Allah – the Most High.
Examples of the Righteous Ancestors in Providing Iftar
Historical accounts from the early generations reflect numerous instances of the righteous ancestors’ commitment to providing iftar for those who were fasting. Below are some notable examples:
- Many of the righteous predecessors would break the fast of others with their own food or prioritize one another. For instance, Ibn Umar – may Allah be pleased with them – would only break his fast with the needy. If his family tried to prevent him from doing so, he refrained from eating that day. Additionally, he would share food with those in need who came while he was dining.
- It is narrated that one of the pious individuals craved food while fasting; when food was placed before him, he heard someone calling out, “Who will lend to the trustworthy wealthy man?” He then gave away the food and went to bed hungry.
- It is said that when a beggar approached Imam Ahmad – may Allah have mercy on him – asking for food, the Imam gave him two loaves that he had prepared for his iftar and fasted the following day having eaten nothing before.
- Al-Hasan would feed his brothers while voluntarily fasting and would sit with them as they enjoyed their meals.