It is
preferred for the fasting person to hasten in
breaking the fast when the sun has set. Sahl ibn
Sad reported that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa
sallam said "The people will always be with
the good as long as they hasten in breaking the
fast." [Bukhari and Muslim]
The fast
should be broken with an odd number of dates or
if that is not available with some water. Anas
reported that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa
sallam 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." [Abu
Dawud, al Hakim who called it sahih and at-Tirmidhi
who called it hassan]
Sulaiman
ibn 'Amr reported that Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam said "If one of you is
fasting, he should break hisf ast with dates. If
dates are not availabe then with water, for water
is purifying." [related by Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi,
hassan sahih]
The
preceding hadith also shows that it is preferred
to break the fast in the above manner before
prayein. After the prayer, the person may
continue to eat, but if the evening meal is ready,
one may begin with that. Anas reported that
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said
"If the food is already presented, eat
before the sunset prayer and do not eat your
meals in haste." [related by Bukhari and
Muslim]
USING THE
MISWAK
It is
preferred for the fasting person to use a miswak
or a brush. There is no difference if he uses it
at the beginning or the ending of the day. At-Tirmidhi
said that "Ash-Shafi'i did nto see anything
wrong with using a miswak during the beginning or
ending of the day." Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam would use his miswak while
fasting.
SUPPLICATIONS
WHILE BREAKING THE FAST AND WHILE FASTING
It is
confirmed that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa
sallam would say "The thirst has gone, the
glands are wet and Allah willing the reward is
confirmed." dhahaba dhahama u wabtallati-l-'urooqu
wa thabata-l-ajru insha Allah.