What Is Iftar?

The moment the fast ends

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, when the Maghrib prayer time enters. Not at Isha, and not when the sky is fully dark — the Qur’an says to complete the fast “until the night”, and the practice of the Prophet was to break it promptly (Qur’an 2:187).

Hasten, do not delay

“The people will remain upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1957; Sahih Muslim 1098). Delaying Iftar past sunset as a form of extra devotion is contrary to the sunnah, not an addition to it.

The reported order

1. Break the fast with fresh dates; if none, dry dates; if none, a few sips of water (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356).
2. Say the supplication reported from Ibn Umar: Dhahaba az-zama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah — “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills” (Sunan Abi Dawud 2357, graded hasan).
3. Pray Maghrib.
4. Then eat the main meal.

The widely shared wording Allahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu is common in many communities, but its chain is mursal and it is graded weak. The first supplication above is the better-authenticated one.

Eating in two stages

Breaking gently, praying, and then eating is not only the sunnah — it also happens to be the most comfortable way to do it. A long fast followed immediately by a very large meal is the usual cause of the heaviness and drowsiness people complain about after Iftar.

Feeding others

“Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have a reward like his, without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 807). Community Iftars are one of the defining features of the month for exactly this reason.

General information only: the advice on this page is ordinary healthy-eating guidance adapted to a fasting day. It is not medical or dietetic advice. If you are pregnant, managing a health condition, or taking regular medication, speak to your doctor before Ramadan about whether and how to fast.

Frequently asked questions

Which iftar dua is authentic?

The one reported in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357, “Dhahaba az-zama’u…”. The commonly circulated “Allahumma laka sumtu…” is graded weak.

Do I have to break the fast with dates?

No. It is the reported sunnah, and water is the reported alternative. Any lawful food breaks the fast validly.

Should I pray Maghrib before or after eating?

The reported practice is to break the fast lightly, pray, then eat the main meal.

Where to go next

Sehri recipesTen pre-dawn meals with timed steps.Iftar recipesFrom the sunnah opener to dessert.Health while fastingHydration, caffeine, sleep and training.