their hands together with the hand of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, so that he might eat the food (1).
However, if he forgets, he should mention Allah’s Name when he remembers, saying: “In the Name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end” (2).
Likewise, among what has been narrated concerning breaking the fast and other occasions is praising Allah upon finishing. For Allah is pleased with His servant when he eats a meal and praises Him for it, and when he drinks a drink and praises Him for it (3).
As for what has been narrated to be said at the time of breaking the fast, this includes: “O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision I have broken my fast. O Allah, accept it from me; indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (4). Other reports have also been narrated, though all of their chains contain some weakness. Nevertheless, there is no harm if a person says them.
Among them is that, if the day has been hot and he drinks after breaking his fast, he says: “The thirst has gone, the veins have been moistened, and the reward has been secured, if Allah wills” (5).
(1) Its documentation has previously been given in footnote (4), p. 439.
(2) Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 6/246; Abu Dawud in the Book of Foods, chapter: “Mentioning Allah’s Name over Food” (3767); al-Tirmidhi in the Book of Foods, chapter: “What Has Been Reported Regarding Mentioning Allah’s Name over Food” (1858); and Ibn Majah in the Book of Foods, chapter: “Mentioning Allah’s Name When Eating” (3264), on the authority of Aishah. Al-Tirmidhi said: “Hasan sahih.” It was authenticated by al-Albani in al-Irwa, 7/24.
(3) Narrated by Muslim in the Book of Remembrance and Supplication, chapter: “The Recommendation of Praising Allah Most High after Eating and Drinking” (2734), on the authority of Anas.
(4) Narrated by al-Daraqutni, 2/185, and Ibn al-Sunni in Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah (The Deeds of the Day and Night) (481), on the authority of Ibn Abbas. It was graded weak by Ibn al-Qayyim in Zad al-Maad, 2/51, and by al-Haythami in Majma al-Zawaid, 3/156.
(5) Narrated by Abu Dawud in the Book of Fasting, chapter: “What to Say When Breaking the Fast” (2357); Ibn al-Sunni in Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah (472); al-Daraqutni, 2/185; and al-Hakim, 1/422, on the authority of Ibn Umar. Al-Daraqutni said: “Its chain is sound.” Al-Hakim authenticated it according to the criteria of both al-Bukhari and Muslim, and al-Dhahabi concurred.