The Importance of Dua Before iftar or Breaking the Fast

There is a special virtue in making dua before Iftar, because it is a moment when Allah Almighty accepts the dua of the fasting person. It is narrated in the Hadith that “There is a special dua for the fasting person at the moment of breaking the fast, which is not rejected.” (Tirmidhi, 2525). When a believer guides himself on the path of self-purification by fasting all day, his dua becomes more acceptable.

At this time, one should ask Allah for forgiveness of his sins, for paradise, and for the good of this world and the hereafter. In particular, it is very important to pray for guidance, health, and peace for oneself and one’s family. Dua before Iftar, one should pray for the good of all Muslims in the world, especially those who are suffering or are being oppressed. This dua should not only be personal but also for the Ummah, so that Allah may increase our sustenance and illuminate our hearts with the light of faith.

Sunnah dua before Iftar When Breaking the Fast

When breaking the fast, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite a special dua, which is considered Sunnah. This dua is:
اللهُم إني لاكا سومتو با بيكا أمانتو، با ليك توكلتو، با الرزقي أفتارتو.
Pronunciation: “اللهُم إني لاكا سومتو با بيكا أمانتو، با ليك توكلتو، با الرزقي أفتارتو.”
Meaning: “O Allah! I have fasted for You, I have believed in You, I have relied on You, and I am breaking my fast with Your provision.”

This supplication has four important aspects: (1) fasting for the sake of Allah, (2) having faith in Him, (3) relying completely on Him, and (4) breaking the fast with the sustenance He has provided. This is not just a supplication uttered verbally, but an expression of faith from the depths of the heart. By reciting this supplication, the fasting person acknowledges that Allah is the Giver of all sustenance and He has given people the strength to fast. Therefore, reciting this supplication before breaking the fast completes the act of worship and earns Allah’s pleasure.

Another Sunnah dua before Iftar

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite another dua during Iftar, which is very meaningful and significant:
Dhahab al-Dhama wa-abtallatil-uruku wa-sabatal-azru, insha-Allah.
Pronunciation: “Dhahab al-Dhama wa-abtallatil-uruku wa-sabatal-azru insha-Allah.”
Translation: “The thirst has been quenched, the veins have been soothed, and the reward has been strengthened, Allah willing.”

This dua is recited after Iftar, and it reveals the true beauty of fasting. When a person breaks his fast after fasting all day, he feels physical and mental peace. This dua acknowledges that peace. “Thirst has gone away” means that the body has been relieved after a long period of suffering; “calm has come to the veins” means that new strength has come to the body; “reward has been established” means that the fasting person hopes that his fast has been accepted. This is a wonderful expression of faith and gratitude. By reciting this supplication, the fasting person expresses his gratitude to Allah and hopes that He will accept his worship.

Saying Bismillah during Iftar

It is a Sunnah and an extremely significant act to say “Bismillah” before breaking the fast. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught us that one should start with the name of Allah before eating any food, because it brings blessings to the food and provides protection from Satan.

It is stated in the Hadith:
“If any of you want to eat, let him start by saying ‘Bismillah’. Let him say, “Bismillahi awalahu wa akhirahu,” if he forgets to pronounce Bismillah at the start.'” (Tirmidhi, 1858)

By saying Bismillah dua during Iftar, we acknowledge that this food did not come from any of our own power, but rather it is the grace of Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to break his fast with dates first, and if there were no dates, he would break his fast with water (Abu Dawud, 2356). We can also follow this Sunnah and break our fast with dates or water, which is also beneficial for our health. Breaking our fast by saying Bismillah deepens the feeling of worship and multiplies the blessings of Iftar.

Praying to Allah for the blessings of sustenance: dua before Iftar

During Iftar, we should express our gratitude to Allah for the lawful sustenance He has given us. It is important to express our gratitude to Allah at this time because He has kept us healthy, given us the ability to fast, and provided us with the sustenance to break the fast. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favor.” (Surah Ibrahim: 7)

We should pray not only for the present but also for lawful and blessed sustenance in the future. We can pray for the sustenance that Allah has given us to be lawful, sufficient in quantity, and blessed. “The one who earns lawfully and spends in Allah’s way is the one who is truly successful,” stated the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). (Bukhari, 1974). Therefore, during Iftar, we should pray to Allah not only for more sustenance but also for blessed sustenance, which will bring us good in this world and the Hereafter.