Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said (as Allah declared): “Every good deed performed by the son of Adam will be rewarded with ten times its equivalent, except for fasting; that is solely for Me, and I will grant a special reward for it.”
Ramadan is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar and comes with its own form of worship called “fasting” or “siyam.” Fasting is one of the most beloved acts to Allah SWT, so much so that there is a unique door in Jannah exclusively for those who fast. And just like any other worship, fasting also has its own duas. These duas highlight the true essence of fasting while emphasizing the mercy of Allah on the fasting person. Keeping this in mind, this blog will delve deeper into the duas of fasting, their significance, and why these duas are recited.
Dua For Breaking Fast
Dua 01
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration
Dhahaba al-zama’ wa abtalat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajr in sha Allah.
Translation
Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.
Reference
Marwan ibn Salim al-Muqaffa’ reported that he observed Ibn Umar grasping his beard and trimming the portion that extended beyond his hand. Ibn Umar then mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) said upon breaking his fast: “The thirst has departed, the veins are refreshed, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.” [
Sunan Abi Dawud 2357]
Note: This dua is recited after breaking the fast.
Dua 03
أَفْطَرَ عِنْدَكُمُ الصَّائِمُونَ وَأَكَلَ طَعَامَكُمُ الأَبْرَارُ وَصَلَّتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ
Transliteration
Aftara ‘indakumus-saimun, wa akala ta’amakumul-abrar, wa sallat ‘alaikumul- mala’ikah
Translation
May fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels send blessings upon you.
Note: This dua is recited when one is breaking their fast with guests.
The Dua From Weak Hadith
Dua 02
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَ عَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ وَ عَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ
Transliteration
Allaahumma Laka S’umtu Wa A’laa Rizqika Aft’artuwa A’layka Tawawkkaltu
Translation
O my Allah, for Thee, I fast, and with the food Thou gives me I break the fast, and I rely on Thee.
Reference
Narrated Mu’adh ibn Zuhrah: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to say when he ended his fast: “O Allah, I have fasted for You, and I break my fast with the sustenance You have provided.”
It is a mursal hadith; therefore, it is considered to be weak (da’if). If a person wants to recite this dua before breaking their fast, it is permissible to do so because these words are found in different hadiths and hence can be recited.
When to Recite These Duas?
Regarding the time of reciting these duas, Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said,
Dua should ideally be made before iftar (the breaking of the fast) and at Maghrib because it reflects a state of weakness and humility while fasting. This combination enhances the likelihood of having one’s dua accepted. After Iftar, people tend to feel relaxed and joyful, which might lead to a sense of negligence.
However, a hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicates that du`a can also be made after breaking the fast. The hadith states: “Thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills” (narrated by Abu Dawud; classed as hasan by al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, 2066). This indicates its permissibility after Iftar. Additionally, some Companions would say, “O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision, I have broken my fast.”
Is This Dua Only For Ramadan?
All these duas mentioned above are not only limited to Ramadan but can be recited whenever one breaks their fast. It doesn’t matter if that fast is off Ramadan, shaban or just a fast for a typical day.
How To Make Dua In The Best Way
A Muslim enters an elevated state of humility and closeness to Allah SWT when they are about to break their fast. It is a moment of deep connection with the Lord, a time to express gratitude for our sustenance and to seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. Breaking the fast is not merely a physical act but also a spiritual one, signifying the conclusion of a day of self-discipline and the start of a time for reflection and renewal. And this is also the time for the acceptance of duas.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) mentioned: “There are three types of individuals whose prayers are never rejected: the fasting person at the time of breaking their fast, the just ruler, and the one who has been wronged. Allah elevates their prayers above the clouds and opens the heavens to them. He declares: ‘By My might, I will definitely assist you, even if it takes some time.”
Start With The Praise Of Allah
“When you have completed your salat (prayer) and wish to make a supplication, start by praising Allah and glorifying Him. After that, you can ask Allah to pray for me, and then feel free to make any other requests you have.”
Start by raising your hands, praising Allah SWT, and sending prayers upon the Prophet PBUH.
Use The Names Of Allah
“Allah’s are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them.”
Allah SWT loves it when a Muslim asks of him using his names. One can use so many beautiful names of Allah while making dua. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Al-’Afuww: The one who pardons.
- Al-Ghafur: The one who forgives.
- Al-Karim: The one who is the most generous.
- Al-Wakil: The one who takes care of everyone’s affairs.
- Al-Raheem: The most merciful one.
- Al-Razzaq: The one who provides rizq.
One can select the most relevant name for the dua he is making and supplicate to Allah with the purest intentions.
Ask For Everything
“A dua should be made with complete confidence, and one should continually express their wishes to Allah, for there is no blessing too immense for Allah to grant His servants.”
Asking for everything means asking for everything. No matter how grand or unrealistic one thinks his dua is, he should never forget that he is asking from the Lord of the Lords. No dua is too much for Allah SWT. If Allah has guided someone to make a dua, what makes one think he won’t accept it?
Making Dua For Others
“And ask forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women.”
Abu Dharr reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Whenever a faithful servant prays for their brother in his absence, the Angels respond by saying, “May the same be granted to you as well.”
Making dua for the ummah is a beautiful and significant practice in Islam. It allows one to embody compassion for others, strengthening the bond with Allah SWT.
After the dua is completed, one should say ameen and wipe their face with his hands.