Question :
As-salamu `alaykum. I was in a
gathering a few days ago. I was disturbed to see people divided on the issue of
when to break the fasting. I saw one group breaking with the adhan over the
Radio (Ramadan program), while another group still waiting with dates in their
hands for the adhan to finish. What is the sound Islamic ruling on this issue?
The time for breaking the fast
is the time of sunset. So if the sun sets at 4:56 pm, it is the correct time to
break the fast. It is immaterial whether the adhan has been called or not. To
wait for the adhan to be called after the sun has set, or to wait for the adhan
to finish, is a violation of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him), as he has stated clearly, “My Ummah will always enjoy blessings so
long as they hasten to break their fast (as soon as the sun has
set).”(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The traditions are explicit on
the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was careful to
break the fast as soon as the sun had set without any delay whatsoever.
Therefore, those who are acting differently are definitely guilty of practicing
rigidity which has been condemned by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him).
In his well-known book, Fiqh
As-Sunnah, Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states:
It is preferred for the fasting
person to hasten in breaking the fast when the sun has set. Sahl ibn Sa`d
reported that the Prophet said, “My Ummah will always enjoy blessings so long
as they hasten to break their fast (as soon as the sun has set).” (Al-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: “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.” (Abu Dawud, al-Hakim, and at-Tirmidhi)
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.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
We would advise Muslims not to
be disturbed or to become divided over differences in such minor issues. Now
that you know the correct Sunnah, you can calmly and politely advise those who
wait for the adhan to finish, but do not argue over it or let it become a reason
to not associate with them.
Allah Almighty knows best.
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