Ramadan is one of the seasons of goodness, where rewards are multiplied, forgiveness is sought, and the desire for righteousness increases. The truly deprived person is the one who is denied Allah’s mercy in this blessed month. Allah’s mercy is attained through turning to Him, striving in His remembrance and gratitude, and engaging in sincere worship.

However, we are tested with some Muslims who spend their days sleeping and their nights indulging in food, thereby wasting the opportunity to benefit from this sacred month. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said: “When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.” (Agreed upon, reported by Abu Huraira, Al-Lu’lu’ wal-Marjan - 656)

In another narration by Abdul Razzaq and others: “A caller calls out: O doer of good, proceed; O doer of evil, desist!” (Reported by Abdul Razzaq - 7386, Ibn Khuzaymah - 1883, and Al-Hakim, who stated it’s authenticated on the conditions of Al-Bukhari and Muslim, and Al-Dhahabi agreed - 1/421)

Acts of Worship in This Blessed Month

It is recommended to increase dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seek forgiveness, supplicate, recite the Quran, and be diligent in performing prayers in congregation. These acts are always encouraged for a Muslim but are even more emphasized in Ramadan, to ensure that the days of this sacred month do not slip away without attaining a share of forgiveness and freedom from the Hellfire. Indeed, every night of Ramadan, Allah frees people from Hellfire.

Ka‘b ibn ‘Ujrah and others reported that Angel Jibreel عليه السلام supplicated against those who reach Ramadan without obtaining forgiveness, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said Ameen to this supplication. (Reported by Al-Hakim, who authenticated it, and Al-Dhahabi agreed - 4/154; Al-Haythami in Majma‘- 10/166, reported by At-Tabarani with reliable narrators)

One of the most important aspects a fasting person should focus on in Ramadan is generosity, performing good deeds, helping others, and feeding the needy. This was the way of the Prophet ﷺ. Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).” (Reported by Al-Bukhari in Book of Fasting and Book of Revelation)

From this tradition, Muslims have long established the practice of preparing meals to break the fast of others in Ramadan due to its immense reward.

Supplication Throughout the Day, Especially at Iftar

A fasting person should keep their tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah and supplication throughout the day. Fasting places a person in a heightened spiritual state that brings them closer to Allah and puts them in a position where their supplications are more likely to be accepted.

Although dhikr (remembrance) and du’a (supplication) are encouraged throughout the fasting hours, they are particularly emphasized at the time of breaking the fast. The most recommended supplication at iftar is what Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to say when breaking his fast: “The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.” (Reported by Abu Dawood - 2357, Ad-Daraqutni - 2/185, who graded its chain as good, and Al-Hakim - 1/422, who authenticated it on the conditions of Al-Bukhari)

This supplication takes precedence over another narration from Anas and Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما: “O Allah, for Thee I have fasted, and with Thy provision I have broken my fast. Glory be to Thee, O God, and praise be to Thee. O our Lord ! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Reported by Ad-Daraqutni, but its chain is weak)

One may supplicate at the time of iftar for anything related to their religion, worldly life, or the Hereafter, for themselves, their family, and all Muslims. It is a time when supplications are likely to be accepted. Ibn Majah reported from Abdullah ibn Amr رضي الله عنهما: “When the fasting person breaks his fast, his supplication is not turned back.” (Ibn Majah - 1753, and Al-Busiri in Az-Zawa’id mentioned that its chain is authentic; see also our commentary in Al-Muntaqa on Hadith- 521)

Abdullah ibn Amr used to gather his children at iftar and supplicate, saying: “O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy, which encompasses everything, to forgive my sins.”

Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There are three whose supplications are not turned back: A just ruler, and a fasting person until he breaks his fast. And, the supplication of one who has been wronged.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi, who graded it as good - 3595, Ibn Majah - 1752, authenticated by Ibn Hibban - 2408, and considered good by Ibn Hajar in Amali Al-Adhkar; also reported by Ahmad with a sound chain, authenticated by Ahmad Shakir, See Al-Muntaqa and our commentary on the Hadith - 522)

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Taken from the book: “Fiqh of Fasting”