بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Issues Related to Suhoor and Iftar — In the Light of Hadith

It Is Necessary to Make the Intention (Niyyah) for an Obligatory Fast Before Fajr:

“Hazrat Hafsah رضي الله عنها narrates that the Noble Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Whoever does not make the intention for fasting before Fajr, his fast is not valid.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami‘ Tirmizi)

There Is Barakah (Blessing) in Eating Suhoor:

“Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Eat Suhoor, for indeed there is barakah in eating Suhoor.’” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

“Hazrat ‘Amr ibn al-‘As رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the eating of Suhoor.’” (Sahih Muslim)

Iftar Should Be Made Promptly:

“Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Allah says: Among My servants, the most beloved to Me are those who hasten to break their fast.’” (Jami‘ Tirmizi)

“Sahl رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘People will remain upon خير (goodness) as long as they hasten in making Iftar.’” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

“Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Islam will continue to prevail as long as people hasten in Iftar, whereas the Jews and Christians delay it.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan Ibn Majah)

If Adhan Begins While Eating Suhoor, One May Quickly Complete His Need Rather Than Stopping Immediately:

“Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘When one of you hears the Adhan while a drinking vessel is in his hand, he should not put it down immediately; rather, he should fulfill his need from it.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

Since the Adhan of Fajr is called at the onset of true dawn, there may be a slight allowance at the time of Adhan for finishing what one has in hand; however, once Fajr becomes clearly established, eating and drinking are no longer permissible. والله أعلم.

Sunset Is the Condition for Breaking the Fast:

“Hazrat ‘Umar رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘When the night comes, the day departs, and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast.’” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Clarification:
During travel—for example, while on an airplane—if fifteen minutes remain before Iftar but, upon reaching flight altitude, the sun sets an hour later, then Iftar should be made only after sunset (i.e., an hour later). Likewise, the time of Suhoor should be determined according to the current place and location. والله أعلم بالصواب.

It Is Sunnah to Break the Fast with Fresh Dates, Dry Dates, or Water:

“Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Noble Prophet ﷺ would break his fast before the Maghrib prayer with fresh dates; if fresh dates were not available, then with dry dates; and if those were not available, then with a few sips of water.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami‘ Tirmizi)