Etiquette of breaking the fast

The fast is broken at sunset, and
it is termed in Arabic iftar. It is a
time of happiness and
refreshment after experiencing
the pangs of hunger and thirst. It
is usually broken with dates and
in many cultures a light soup
with bread or small side dishes.
Breaking the fast is followed
immediately by the evening
obligatory prayer. In many parts
of the world, including the US,
breaking fast is observed in
congregation in mosques and
homes.
The Prophetic etiquette of
breaking fast: three rutabs
(moist dates), or else tamr (dry
dates), or else water, mentioning
Allah, using the right hand,
stating the du`a that fasting was
for Allah and breakfast with his
rizq (provision), and asking Allah
aid in fasting, night-prayer,
lowering the eyes, and guarding
the tongue in Ramadan. The
invocation (du`a) upon breaking
fast is answered.
The following two du`as should
be recited after breaking the fast:
َّمُهّللَا
َكَل ُتْمُص
ىلَعَو
َكِقْزِر
ُتْرَطْفَأ
Allahumma laka sumtu wa `alaa
rizqika aftartu
O Allah! For You have I fasted and
upon Your sustenance have I
broken my fast. [Abu Dawud]
َبَهَذ
ُأَمَّظلا
ِتَّلَتْباَو
ُقوُرُعْلا
َتَبَثَو
ُرْجَألا ْنِإ
َءاَش ُهللا
Dhahab az zamaa’u wab tallatil
urooqu wa thabat al-ajru Insha-
Allah
The thirst has vanished, the veins
have been wetted and the
reward is established - Insha-
Allah. [Abu Dawud]
The Prophet (s) said: "Whosoever
fasts experiences two joys. He is
joyful when he breaks his fast,
and is joyful because of his
fasting when he meets his
Lord." [Sahih Muslim]
"When evening approaches from
this side (east) and the day
retreats from this side (west)
and the sun has set, the one who
is fasting breaks his
fast." [Bukhari and Muslim]
"Break your fast with a date, or
with water because it is pure."
[Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]
The Messenger of Allah, praise
and peace be upon him, said: "My
nation will remain in goodness as
long as they break the fast as
soon as it is due." [Muslim]
It is offensive and unhealthy to
stuff the stomach with food
after fasting. The Prophet (s)
said: “Enough for a human being
to have luqaymat (=from 3 to 9
mouthfuls) that prop up his
spine and, if he must have more
[in his stomach], then one third
of food, one third of water, and
one third of air. ”
Out of respect for the mosques
and those who attend them
among people, jinn, and angels
foods that cause bad breath
(such as garlic and onions),
belching and gas should not be
consumed.
By Dr. Gibril Haddad