There is an important point that deserves attention: some people remain at the table after breaking their fast, continue eating their supper, and in the process miss the congregational Maghrib prayer at the mosque. By delaying the prayer they commit a grave error, forfeit a tremendous reward, and expose themselves to blame. The proper course for a fasting person is to take a light ifṭār first, proceed to the mosque for prayer, and then return to finish the evening meal.

It is also recommended to supplicate at the moment of breaking the fast with any prayer one wishes. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The fasting person has a supplication at the time of ifṭār that is never turned away.” Among the formulas transmitted from him is: “Allāhumma laka ṣumtu wa ʿalā rizqika aftartu” — “O Allah, for Your sake I have fasted, and with the provision You have granted I break my fast.” When he broke his fast the Prophet ﷺ would also say: “Dhahaba al-ẓamaʾ, wabtallati al-ʿurūq, wa thabata al-ajr in shāʾa Allāh” — “Gone is the thirst, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, Allah willing.”

A Muslim should therefore learn the rulings of fasting and of breaking the fast, both in timing and manner, so that he may observe the fast in the way legislated and in harmony with the Prophet’s sunnah. Only then will his fast be sound and his deeds accepted by Allah — and that, indeed, is of the utmost importance. Allah the Exalted says: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much” ⦗Qur’an 33:21⦘.