Iftar Prayer: Prayers and the Prophet’s Practices as Fasting Ends
One of the most precious moments of Ramadan is the time of iftar, which combines the joy of ending hunger with an opportunity to express gratitude to Allah and make supplications. So, what should we say during iftar? How is the iftar prayer performed? In this article, we have compiled the ways the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast, the prayers he recited, and the 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 meals; he would break his fast with whatever was available on the table. The Prophet’s iftar table, characterized by simplicity and avoidance of extravagance, exemplified humility and contentment.
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Iftar Ritual
The Prophet’s (PBUH) iftar table was prepared in a simple manner, far from luxury and extravagance. Enes bin Malik (RA), who grew up with the Prophet (PBUH) in Medina, described the Prophet’s (PBUH) breaking of the fast 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) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said after breaking his fast: “Thirst has gone, veins have cooled, and I hope a reward will be realized.” It is also related that the Prophet (PBUH) would use the phrase “O Allah! I fasted for Your sake and broke my fast with what You provided.” (See Abu Dawud, Fasting, 22)
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Iftar Prayer
The Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him- would recite the following prayer when breaking his fast:
“Allahümme leke sumtü ve ‘alâ rızkıke eftartü”
“O Allah! I fasted for Your sake, and I break my fast with what You have provided.” (Abu Dawud, Fasting 22)
Prayer to Break the Fast
Iftar Prayer in Arabic
Iftar Prayer Turkish Pronunciation
“Allahümme leke sumtü ve bike amentü wa aleyke tevekkeltü wa alâ rizgıke eftertü.”
Meaning of the Iftar Prayer
“O Allah! I fasted for Your sake. I believed in You. I relied upon You. I break my fast with what You have provided.” (Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu, Prayers and Supplications)