When is the time for iftar and what are its virtues?
Answer:
The time for breaking the fast is when the sun sets, meaning that the fast is broken with the Maghrib call to prayer. This is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.
Allah says in the Quran: “And eat and drink until the black thread becomes distinct to you from the white thread at dawn, then complete the fast until nightfall.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187)
This verse makes it clear that the time for fasting begins at dawn and the time for breaking the fast ends at sunset.
Iftar time is a very blessed time and a time when prayers are accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged hastening the breaking of the fast and disliked delay.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “My nation will always be on good as long as they hasten to break their fast.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1957)
This hadith indicates that one should not delay breaking the fast, but rather break it as soon as the sun sets.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The supplication of three types of people is not rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the supplication of the oppressed.”
( Sunan Ibn Majah 1752)
This hadith shows that it is highly recommended for a fasting person to make dua when he breaks his fast because it is a time of acceptance.
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to break his fast with fresh dates before the prayer, and if fresh dates were not available, then with dried dates, and if even that was not available, then with He used to drink a few sips of water
( Sunan Abu Dawud 2356)
This Sunnah teaches us that it is preferable to use dates for breaking the fast, and if there are no dates, then one should break the fast with water.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite this supplication when breaking his fast: ذهب الظمأ وابتلت العروق وثبت الأجر إن شاء الله (The thirst has been quenched, the veins have become moist, and, God willing, the reward has been proven.)
(Sunan Abu Dawud, 2357)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward equal to that of the fasting person, without any reduction in the reward of the fasting person.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, 807)
It is important to thank Allah at the time of breaking the fast because Allah Almighty enabled us to complete the fast.
Note:
Iftar time is a very blessed and merciful moment. At this time, there is a special level of acceptance of prayers, and breaking the fast early is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It is recommended to break your fast with dates or water, and there is a great reward for helping others break their fast. We should spend this time as much as possible in worship, prayer, and gratitude so that we can receive Allah's mercy.