Question:
Assalamu‘alaikum SS Datuk Mufti. Can you explain the correct kaifiat (methods) for supplication before breaking fast? Thank you.
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wbt,
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Advantages of the Supplication for Those Who Fast
The supplication of those who are fasting are among the mustajab (accepted/granted) supplications. The Prophet PBUH said:
ثَلاَثَةٌ لاَ تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمُ الصَّائِمُ حَتَّى يُفْطِرَ وَالإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ
“There are three whose supplications are not turned back: A just ruler, and a fasting person until he breaks his fast. And, the supplication of one who has been wronged,”
Sunan al-Tirmizi (3598)
According to Imam Nawawi, the above hadith is an encouragement for us to offer supplications while we fast; starting when we begin our fast until we break our fast. Refer Al-Majmu’ Syarh al-Muhazzab (6/375)
As for the kaifiat (methods) of supplication before breaking fast are as the following:
- Before Breaking Fast
Reciting any supplication seeking benefit in this world and the hereafter, whether it is for yourself, family members, friends and all Muslims in general. This is a general sanction and encouragement for us to offer supplications while we are fasting.
- Right After Breaking Fast
Recite the following supplication from the Prophet PBUH:
اللَّهُمَّ لَك صُمْت وَعَلَى رِزْقِك أَفْطَرْت
“O Allah, for Thee I have fasted, and with Thy provision I have broken my fast.”
Sunan Abi Dawud (2358)
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتْ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى
“Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.”
Sunan Abi Dawud (2357)
According to Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haitami and Imam Ramli, the above supplications are recited right after one breaks his fast (عقب), not before it. (Refer Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haitami in Tuhfatul Muhtaj,3/435 and Imam Ramli in Nihayatul Muhtaj, 3/183. The above supplications are stated by Imam Nawawi in his book of Al-Azkaar)
Another great supplication to recite is the supplication made by ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amru during breaking of fast:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ أَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي
“O Allah, I ask for Your blessing over everything, and for Your forgiveness.”
Sunan Ibn Majah (1753)
Wallahua’lam