Guidance on Breaking the Fast: Importance of Timing
* Originally posted on May 8, 2018
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani answers questions on the fiqh of fasting, including the nullifiers of fasts, expiation for broken fasts, and the spiritual retreat.
Among the many questions and points Shakyh Faraz addresses, he mentions that if one breaks fast deliberately or by accident, the time of fasting is not over. One is able to fast, then one refrains from everything a fasting person refrains from until fasting ends. This is a sign of contrition and remorse.
Hasten to Break Fast
The Shaykh also mentions that one should not delay breaking fast excessively out of a mistaken sense of piety or fervor. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, said:
قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَحَبُّ عِبَادِي إِلَيَّ أَعْجَلُهُمْ فِطْرًا
Allah Mighty and Majestic said: “The most beloved among my servants are those who hasten to break their fast.” [Tirmidhi]
Be Tactful and Considerate with Others
However, one must also remember that when in a group of people who believe they have the right to delay, one must be discreet about the matter and not make disagreement a point of contention or rancor. If you are considering breaking it in such a situation, do it tactfully.
These and many other points and rulings are covered in this session. You should listen to it even if you know all the answers, as there is no harm and abundant good in reviewing what you know and strengthening your knowledge.
May Allah grant us eternal success in the blessed month of Ramadan and all the months, He has decreed for every one of us until we are brought before Him. Amin.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, a distinguished scholar in the Islamic sciences, is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance. He studied under renowned scholars globally for ten years, beginning in Damascus and continuing in Amman, Jordan. Notable mentors include Shaykh Adib al-Kallas and Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi. After completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007 and established SeekersGuidance, dedicated to spreading reliable, relevant, and inspiring Islamic knowledge online and on the ground.
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