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Breaking the Fast with Dates

Food Digestive & StomachGeneral Tonic & Immunity

A recommended practice of ending a fast with dates, or water if none are available, before the sunset prayer.

hasan graded

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُفْطِرُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ عَلَى رُطَبَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَتُمَيْرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would break his fast before praying with fresh dates; if none were available, dried dates; if neither, a few sips of water.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 2356; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 696 Hasan Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim explains dates' quick-digesting sugars as well suited to restoring blood glucose gently after a day's fast, easing the stomach back into digestion before a full meal — broadly consistent with contemporary advice on fast-breaking.

Caution

Those with diabetes should be mindful of the sugar content and coordinate fast-breaking timing and food choice with their doctor.