Missing Iftar: Is My Fast Valid?

Answered by Sidi Salman Younas

Question: If I came home, just before iftar, and went to sleep and didnt wake up until my family were having suhoor, what do I do in this situation? Do I have to make up the last fast, or do I go ahead to eat for the next fast?

Answer: assalamu `alaykum

Performing iftar is not a condition for the validity of one’s fast. The validity of a fast only rests on abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse and oter aspects that break the fast from the time Fajr enters until Maghrib.

As such, your fast will be valid in the scenario described above.

However, the iftar is a sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) spcifically recommended hastening to break the fast when Maghrib enters.

Sahl ibn Sa`d (Allah be well-pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “People will continue to be in a good condition as long as they hasten to break the fast.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

As such, a person should avoid sleeping at such a time because not only is there a fear of missing out on this recommended sunna, but also the possibility of missing one’s prayers, which is a more serious matter.

May Allah grant you and us success.

Wassalam

Salman

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani