Ramadan – Monday 1st

So, the new moon has not been sighted this evening here in Saudi Arabia which means that Ramadan 2008 will officially begin on Monday 1st September.

Let us reacquaint ourselves with some of the sunnahs of fasting.

The dua when one breaks the fast:

Photo from makedua.com

 

Dhahaba thama’u wabtallatil ‘urooq, wa thabatal ajr insha’Allah.

‘The thirst has gone and the veins are quenched, and reward is confirmed, if Allaah wills.’

Hasten to break the fast and eat 3 dates:

The fast should be broken with an odd number of dates or, if that is not available, with some water. Anas reported: “The Messenger of Allah would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water.” This hadith is related by Abu Dawud and by al-Hakim, who called it sahih, and by at-Tirmizhi, who called it hassan.

Sulaiman ibn ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: “If one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates. If dates are not available, then with water, for water is purifying.” This is related by Ahmad and by at-Tirmizhi, who called it hassan sahih.

The preceding hadith also shows that it is preferred to break the fast in the above manner before praying. After the prayer, the person may continue to eat, but if the evening meal is ready, one may begin with that. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “If the food is already presented, eat before the sunset prayer and do not eat your meals in haste.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Anas reported: “The Messenger of Allah would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water.” *