Iftar Prayer: Supplications to Recite Upon Breaking the Fast and Prophetic Tradition
One of the most precious moments of the month of Ramadan is the time of iftar, which is both a joy experienced with the end of hunger and an opportunity to express gratitude to Allah and make supplication. So, what should be said when breaking the fast? How is the iftar prayer performed? In this article, you can find out how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fasts, which prayers he recited, and the Arabic recitation and meaning of the Iftar Prayer.
How Did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Break His Fast?
The Prophet (PBUH) did not seek special foods when breaking his fast, nor did he discriminate between foods; he broke his fast with whatever was available on the table. This is an indication of His simple and humble lifestyle.
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Iftar Ritual
The Prophet’s (PBUH) iftar table was extremely simple, far from luxury and extravagance. Anes b. Malik (RA), who grew up with the Prophet (PBUH) in Medina, described the Prophet’s (PBUH) iftar as follows: “The Messenger of Allah would break his fast with a few fresh dates before performing the evening prayer; if there were no dates, he would break it with dried dates; and if there were no dates, he would break it with a few sips of water.” (Abu Dawud, Fasting 21; Tirmidhi, Fasting 10)
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said after breaking his fast: “Thirst has gone, veins have cooled, and hopefully, reward will be realized.” It is also narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) would say when breaking his fast, “O Allah! I fasted for Your pleasure and broke my fast with what You provided.” (See Abu Dawud, Fasting, 22)
The Iftar Prayer Recited by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him- would recite the following supplication when breaking his fast:
“Allahümme leke sumtü ve ‘alâ rızkıke eftartü”
“O Allah! I fasted for Your pleasure and broke my fast with what You provided.” (Abu Dawud, Fasting 22)
Dua to Recite When Breaking the Fast
Iftar Prayer in Arabic
Iftar Prayer Turkish Pronunciation
Allahümme leke sumtü ve bike amentü ve aleyke tevekkeltü ve alâ rizgıke eftertü.
Meaning of the Iftar Prayer
“O Allah, I fasted for Your pleasure. I believed in You. I relied upon You. I broke my fast with what You provided.” (Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu, Prayers and Supplications)