Meals during Ramadhan
Friday, September 5, 2008
PERSONAL assistant of the Messenger of Allah, Anas bin Malik narrates that Allah's Messenger, peace and blessing be upon him, used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to Maghrib prayer.
With dates. When fresh dates were unavailable, he would break his fast with dried dates. When dried dates were unavailable, he would take a few sips of water. (Sunan Abu Daud)
At the time. The most important thing the hadith shows us is that he used to hasten to break his fast as soon as the time of the Maghrib prayer — the time of sunset — arrived. Anas clearly tells us that he ate the dates "before going to prayer."
Indeed, the Prophet encouraged his followers to break their fasts as soon as possible.
He said: "The people will continue to be upon what is good as long as they hasten to break the fast." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
He used to offer the following supplication upon breaking his fast: "Thirst is gone, the blood is refreshed, and the reward is granted, by the grace of Allah." (Sunan Abi Daud)
Other foods. Nevertheless, it is certainly the Sunnah to emulate the Prophet's practice by breaking our fasts with dates, when they are available. However, a Muslim may break the fast with other foods, if that is what he or she wishes to do.
There is no strict requirement regarding the type or quantity of food that may be eaten before observing the Maghrib prayer, though clearly the Prophet's example is to eat only a little bit at that time.
It has become the custom for some people to eat dates along with other finger foods, like samosas, cakes and sweets, before prayer.
These foods are often provided along with dates at various masjids, including the Prophet's Masjid in Madinah. There is nothing wrong with this custom.
Solat Maghrib. All the same, the Muslims should be conscious of the time. They should not become so preoccupied with eating that the prayer is postponed or in any way neglected.
It is a mistake for men to neglect congregational prayer at the masjid because of what they are eating.
After salat. The iftar that Muslims are supposed to observe is to take some food before offering the Maghrib prayer. After the Maghrib prayer, the Muslims are free to eat when and how they like up to the time of dawn.
Allah says: "Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast until nightfall, but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques."
"These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil)." (Translation of the Quran surah al-Baqarah: 187)
Before dawn. There are no preferred times for meals, except to have a meal right before the time of dawn. Otherwise, the Muslim can take his or her meals at any time of the night.
Some people prefer to eat a large dinner after the Maghrib prayer. Others prefer to postpone eating until after observing Tara-wih.
Still others prefer to make their pre-dawn meal the main meal of the night. People have various preferences. Also, families and cultures have a wide variety of customs in this regard.
Moderation. In any case, Muslims should observe the same moderation in eating that they are supposed to show throughout the rest of the year, if not more so. They should not overindulge in food during the nights of Ramadhan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The child of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. Sufficient for the child of Adam are a few morsels to keep his back straight."
"If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air." (Sunan At-Tirmizi and Musnad Ahmad)
Islam Today
With dates. When fresh dates were unavailable, he would break his fast with dried dates. When dried dates were unavailable, he would take a few sips of water. (Sunan Abu Daud)
At the time. The most important thing the hadith shows us is that he used to hasten to break his fast as soon as the time of the Maghrib prayer — the time of sunset — arrived. Anas clearly tells us that he ate the dates "before going to prayer."
Indeed, the Prophet encouraged his followers to break their fasts as soon as possible.
He said: "The people will continue to be upon what is good as long as they hasten to break the fast." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
He used to offer the following supplication upon breaking his fast: "Thirst is gone, the blood is refreshed, and the reward is granted, by the grace of Allah." (Sunan Abi Daud)
Other foods. Nevertheless, it is certainly the Sunnah to emulate the Prophet's practice by breaking our fasts with dates, when they are available. However, a Muslim may break the fast with other foods, if that is what he or she wishes to do.
There is no strict requirement regarding the type or quantity of food that may be eaten before observing the Maghrib prayer, though clearly the Prophet's example is to eat only a little bit at that time.
It has become the custom for some people to eat dates along with other finger foods, like samosas, cakes and sweets, before prayer.
These foods are often provided along with dates at various masjids, including the Prophet's Masjid in Madinah. There is nothing wrong with this custom.
Solat Maghrib. All the same, the Muslims should be conscious of the time. They should not become so preoccupied with eating that the prayer is postponed or in any way neglected.
It is a mistake for men to neglect congregational prayer at the masjid because of what they are eating.
After salat. The iftar that Muslims are supposed to observe is to take some food before offering the Maghrib prayer. After the Maghrib prayer, the Muslims are free to eat when and how they like up to the time of dawn.
Allah says: "Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast until nightfall, but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques."
"These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil)." (Translation of the Quran surah al-Baqarah: 187)
Before dawn. There are no preferred times for meals, except to have a meal right before the time of dawn. Otherwise, the Muslim can take his or her meals at any time of the night.
Some people prefer to eat a large dinner after the Maghrib prayer. Others prefer to postpone eating until after observing Tara-wih.
Still others prefer to make their pre-dawn meal the main meal of the night. People have various preferences. Also, families and cultures have a wide variety of customs in this regard.
Moderation. In any case, Muslims should observe the same moderation in eating that they are supposed to show throughout the rest of the year, if not more so. They should not overindulge in food during the nights of Ramadhan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The child of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. Sufficient for the child of Adam are a few morsels to keep his back straight."
"If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air." (Sunan At-Tirmizi and Musnad Ahmad)
Islam Today
Business Besides Oil
