Dua for Iftar: Strengthening Our Connection with Allah (SWT)
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is not merely a physical discipline, but a spiritual journey marked by reflection, gratitude, and increased devotion to Allah ﷻ. As Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to dusk, the moment of breaking the fast (iftar) becomes a profound act of worship. It is a time when supplication (duʿāʾ) is most likely to be accepted and hearts are naturally inclined toward humility and gratitude.
This article explores the significance of duʿāʾ at iftar, its spiritual impact, and the recommended prophetic supplications to recite during this blessed moment.
The Spiritual Meaning of Breaking the Fast
Breaking the fast at sunset (maghrib) signifies the fulfillment of a day of devotion, restraint, and obedience. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized not delaying iftar once the sun sets, encouraging Muslims to break their fast with dates or water.
عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ: “لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ”
Sahl ibn Saʿd reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The people will continue to be in goodness so long as they hasten to break the fast.”
— Sahih al-Bukhārī (1957), Sahih Muslim (1098)
This moment, though simple in practice, becomes a window into divine mercy. The body is nourished, the soul humbled, and the heart is drawn closer to Allah ﷻ in submission and thankfulness.
Dua at Iftar: A Moment of Divine Acceptance
The time of iftar is not only for nourishing the body but also for nourishing the soul through duʿāʾ. The Prophet ﷺ said:
ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ: الْإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ، وَالصَّائِمُ حِينَ يُفْطِرُ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ
“Three People’s Supplications Are Not Rejected… the Fasting Person When He Breaks”Three People’s Supplications Are Not Rejected: the Just Ruler, the Fasting Person When He Breaks His Fast, and the Supplication of the Oppressed.”— Sunan Ibn Mājah (1753), graded ḥasan by al-Albānī
This means that the moment you raise your hands and open your heart while fasting, Allah is listening. It’s a divine invitation to ask for mercy, forgiveness, provision, healing, guidance, and everything your heart desires.
Recommended Duas for Breaking the Fast
Dua 1 (Most Common and Authentic)
ذَهَبَ ٱلظَّمَأُ وَٱبْتَلَّتِ ٱلْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ ٱلْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّهُ
Transliteration: Dhahaba aẓ-ẓamaʾu wabtallat al-ʿurūq wa thabata al-ajru in shāʾa Allāh
Translation: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.”
— Reported by Abū Dāwūd (2357), Ḥasan
Dua 2 (Also from the Sunnah)
ٱللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَىٰ رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Transliteration: Allāhumma laka ṣumtu wa ʿalā rizqika afṭartu
Translation: “O Allah! I fasted for You and with Your provision I break my fast.”
— Reported by Abū Dāwūd and others; some scholars classify it as ḥasan or acceptable
These duʿās express gratitude, submission, and reliance on Allah, while affirming our intention to fast sincerely for His sake.
Spiritual Benefits of Making Dua at Iftar
- It reflects gratitude — a core virtue in Islam. The believer acknowledges that even the simplest food is a gift from Allah.
- It instills humility — reminding the fasting person of their dependence on their Lord for sustenance.
- It renews intention — by affirming that fasting and eating are acts of worship.
Make the Most of This Moment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“إِنَّ لِلصَّائِمِ عِنْدَ فِطْرِهِ لَدَعْوَةً لا تُرَدُّ”
“Indeed, for the Fasting Person at the Time of Breaking Fast Is a Supplication That Is Not Rejected.”
— Sunan Ibn Mājah (1753)
With this incredible promise, take a few extra moments before or just after breaking your fast to make heartfelt duʿāʾ. Ask for forgiveness, guidance, health, provision, and the strength to complete Ramadan sincerely.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s practice of ifṭār (breaking the fast) was simple, humble, and deeply spiritual. His sunnah (tradition) teaches us not only what to eat, but how to approach ifṭār with intention, gratitude, and devotion. Below are some authentic practices from the life of the Prophet ﷺ regarding how he would break his fast:
How the Prophet ﷺ Broke His Fast
1. He Broke His Fast Immediately After Sunset
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged breaking the fast as soon as the sun sets, without unnecessary delay. He said:
لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ
“The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking the fast.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1957), Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (1098)
This teaches us that delaying ifṭār unnecessarily is discouraged and that it is virtuous to act swiftly once the time arrives.
2. He Preferred to Break His Fast with Fresh or Dried Dates
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يُفْطِرُ عَلَىٰ رُطَبَاتٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَعَلَىٰ تَمَرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِّنْ مَاءٍ
“The Prophet ﷺ would break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there were no (fresh dates), then with dry dates, and if there were none, he would take a few sips of water.”
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd (2356), Ḥasan
This simple habit emphasizes moderation and gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ did not begin with lavish meals but with what was natural, light, and nourishing.
3. He Made a Specific Dua When Breaking His Fast
Among the duas narrated from the Prophet ﷺ for breaking the fast:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ، وَعَلَىٰ رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Transliteration: Allāhumma laka ṣumtu wa ʿalā rizqika afṭartu
Translation: “O Allah, I have fasted for You, and with Your provision I break my fast.”
— Reported by Abū Dāwūd and others
ذَهَبَ ٱلظَّمَأُ وَٱبْتَلَّتِ ٱلْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ ٱلْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّهُ
Transliteration: Dhahaba aẓ-ẓamaʾu wabtallat al-ʿurūq wa thabata al-ajru in shāʾa Allāh
Translation: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.”
— Abū Dāwūd (2357), Ḥasan
These supplications reflect humility, gratitude, and an acknowledgment that the strength to fast comes only from Allah ﷻ.
4. He Prayed Maghrib After Breaking the Fast
After breaking the fast with a few dates or water, the Prophet ﷺ would perform Maghrib prayer before proceeding with a full meal. This highlights the priority of worship over eating, even after a long day of fasting.
Summary of Sunnah Ifṭār Practices:
| Sunnah of Ifṭār | Description |
|---|---|
| Break the fast immediately at sunset | Without unnecessary delay |
| Begin with dates or water | Fresh dates > dry dates > water |
| Say the dua of ifṭār | With reflection and gratitude |
| Perform Maghrib salah promptly | After the light ifṭār |
| Avoid excess in food | Keep it light and moderate |
The Prophet ﷺ’s way of breaking the fast was not just about what he ate — it was a complete spiritual act rooted in submission, gratitude, and discipline. Emulating his sunnah during ifṭār helps transform a physical act into a form of ‘ibādah (worship), drawing us closer to Allah ﷻ and increasing our reward.
Tips to Maximize the Impact of Your Iftar Dua
- 🕊️ Be present: Take a quiet moment before iftar. Reflect on your day of fasting.
- 👐 Raise your hands: It’s Sunnah to raise one’s hands during duʿāʾ as a symbol of dependence.
- 💬 Use your own words: While prophetic duʿās are best, speaking from the heart in any language is accepted.
- 📿 Praise Allah and send ṣalawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ: This increases the chances of your duʿāʾ being accepted.
🔗 Listen to the Dua for Iftar
The moment of iftar is not just about eating — it is a window to the Divine. In these fleeting seconds as the sun sets, hearts open, and mouths recite the age-old words taught by our beloved Prophet ﷺ, let us not miss the chance to connect deeply with Allah.
May every fast you break be an answered prayer.
May your duʿāʾs rise with sincerity and be received with mercy.
And may your Ramadan be filled with light, healing, forgiveness, and elevation.
اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ صِيَامَنَا وَصَلَاتَنَا وَدُعَاءَنَا
Ameen.
Read more: Dua For Rizq