SEHRI AND IFTAAR(OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAST)
The virtue for performing Sehri And Iftaar
The Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam has stated "eat
for Sehri as there is a lot of blessings for this. The difference
between our fasts and the fasts of the other book followers is
the bite of sehri[Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi,Nisaa'i etc.].
Allah and His angels send blessings to those who eat at Sehri
[Tibrani].
The whole of Sehri is complete blessing and should not be missed
and if possible drink at least one gulp of water because Allah
and His angels send blessings upon those who perform sehri"
[Imam Ahmad].
The Holy Prophet has stated the Allah has said that out of my
servants I love those more who rush their Iftari and delay their
Sehri [Ahmad, Tirmizi etc.].
It is also reported that Allah chooses those who hurry their
Iftari and delay their Sehri [Tibrani].
Rule: To eat Sehri and to delay it is Sunnat, but to delay it
so much that their is doubt that the dawn will break then this
is Makrooh [Alamgiri, Bahar].
Rule: To hurry the Iftar is Sunnat but it must only be done when
you are satisfied that the sun has set, and until you are not
completely satisfied you should not start Iftari even if the Mo'azzin
has called the Azaan. On days where it is cloudy the Iftar should
not be hurried [Radd-ul-Mohtar].
What should Iftar be started with ?
Rule: The Holy Prophet has stated that when you start the Iftar,
then start it with either some dates or dry, dates, and if these
are not available then start it with water as this is an item
that purifies. The Holy Prophet used to pray this Dua when finishing
the fast (Dua of Iftari)
"Allahumma Laka Sumto, Wa Alaa Rizqika Aftarto" meaning,
Oh Allah I fasted for you and I have opened my fast with vour
given wealth.