Ethics of Fasting: Episode 3

3. The one who fasts is urged to break the fast as soon as he is certain of the Azan or sunset. In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H): "People will be in Khair (good) as long as they keep hurrying in Iftaar (breaking the fast)". In another Hadith, it is narrated: "Allah says: "Among my servants, the one hurrying to fast are the most dear ones to me" ".

4. It is from Sunnah that if a fresh date is available, then break the fast with it. Else if, break with any date. If the date is not available, then use water to break the fast. Otherwise, then any Halal edible thing can be used to break the fast. 

5. The man who kept fast must supplicate in abundance since it is the hour of acceptance of Dua. When he breaks fast, he must say the dua:" ذَهَبَ الظَّمةُ، وابْتَلَّتِ العُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ تَعَالَى". 

6. If possible, the following three deeds must also be performed while fasting:

•     Attend the funeral prayer of a Muslim brother
•     Give food to the deserving one
•     Visit and enquire about the health of the sick/ill one

The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has given glad tidings of Jannah to the one who fasts and on parallel lines, performs the above-mentioned deeds.

Note: This text is an extract from the Majalis e Ramadan (Sheikh Ibn ul Uthaymeen).