Khaberni - Many are accustomed to reciting the breaking fast prayer in Ramadan right before eating, while the tradition indicates a different timing, with a statement of when the fasting prayer is answered.
The question of when to say the breaking fast prayer in Ramadan recurs each fasting season, although most Muslims are used to reciting it before taking the first date or sip of water at the call of Maghrib prayer, without scrutinizing the meaning of its phrases or verifying the timing mentioned in the Prophetic tradition. Experts clarify that a common mistake in the timing of the prayer does not reduce the reward of the fasting person, as it is about a logical understanding of its phrases and its traditional formula. In the following lines, we clarify the correct timing for the breaking fast prayer, the meaning of its words, and how the Prophet, peace be upon him, would break his fast.
When should the breaking fast prayer be said in Ramadan?
Reflecting on the popular prayer formula: "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is affirmed, God willing", it’s clear that it contains past tense verbs that indicate the occurrence and realization of the event, which logically raises the question: How can "The thirst is gone" be said before drinking water after hours of fasting?
It has been narrated from Abdullah bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to say when breaking his fast: "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is affirmed, God willing", and its chain of narration is good. It was also narrated from Muadh bin Zahra that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to say when he broke his fast: "O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision, I break my fast".
Dr. Kamel Sobhi Salah, a professor of jurisprudence and its principles, explained that the narrator's statement "when he broke his fast" means after breaking the fast, not before it; as it is recommended for the fasting person and others to mention the name of Allah Almighty at the beginning of the meal, and then when he finishes his meal, he says: "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is affirmed, God willing".
In explanation of the prayer's words:
The thirst is gone: meaning the thirst has been quenched by drinking water or other permissible things.
And the veins are moistened: meaning the body's veins, which were dry from intense thirst, are now quenched.
And the reward is affirmed, God willing: a prayer and hope for the acceptance of fasting and achieving reward for the hardship endured in devotion to Allah and drawing closer to Him; as the discomfort vanishes and the reward remains.
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How did the Prophet break his fast in Ramadan?
The Prophetic tradition states that the Prophet, peace be upon him, followed a specific order when breaking his fast:
Quickening the breaking of the fast after sunset: The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "People will remain on the good as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast and delay the pre-dawn meal," narrated by Bukhari and Muslim.
Breaking the fast on fresh dates or dates or water: Tirmidhi narrated: "The Messenger of Allah used to break his fast on fresh dates before praying; if there were no fresh dates, then on dates; if there were no dates, then he would have a few sips of water".
Saying the prayer after breaking the fast: "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is affirmed, God willing".
The Maghrib prayer after breaking the fast: as he would break his fast first and then pray.
When is the fasting person's prayer answered?
The time for answering a prayer is not limited only to the moment of breaking the fast, as texts have indicated other moments as well.
Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Three whose prayer will not be rejected: a just leader, a fasting person when breaking his fast, and the prayer of the oppressed raised above the clouds and for which the gates of heaven are opened".
It is said in the hadith: "The fasting person has a prayer at breaking his fast that will not be rejected," and scholars interpret "at" to include the time of breaking the fast and before it, i.e., throughout the fasting period and until the moment of breaking the fast, not after it.
