Dua during Breaking Fast (Iftar) in Ramadan

The Lawgiver has recommended that the fasting person take the opportunity on this occasion and beseech Allah during the period of fasting, especially around the hour of breaking fast, iftaar. He should request diligently, whatever he or she desires, from the Owner of creation, Rabbil Alameen.

In the book of Ibn Maja, Abdullah bin 'Amru bin 'Al-As (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: “Indeed, as to the faster, about the time he breaks his fast, his du'a, (supplication) will not be turned away by Allah.”

This hadith reveals a special privilege afforded only to the ser­vant who observes fasting and at the hour he brings his fasting to a close. Each fasting person has the right to supplication(Dua) and the right that it will be answered, a promise from the One who never reneges on His promises.

However, granting the faster's du'a request falls within the conditions of du'a. That is, whatever you ask Allah (SWT), He will grant it in His own time, and when he knows that granting your request will not lead to your ruin. Do not ask of Him something unlawful.

In a report by Tirmidhi (raa), the Messenger of Allah (saas) has been reported as saying:
“There are three categories of people whose du'a (sup­plications) will not be rejected:

the person who observes the fast until he breaks,
a just ruler,
and the person who has been wronged.”

This citation supports the previous one, while adding that when prayers are offered during fasting, supplications are highly en­couraged.

In addition to the faster, a ruler's acts of justice weigh heavily on the scale of good deeds (mizaan). This is the person whose pronouncements, orders and decrees affects the lives of others. The ruler may be a political leader, a judge, or a community leader who does not abuse the power and authority invested in him. If any one of them makes a request, Allah (SWT) will swiftly grant it.

Conversely, on the reverse side, if the faster did not observe fasting properly, or the ruler abuses the power invested in him, their supplications will not only be turned away unanswered, but will incur the wrath of Allah.

The third person in the Hadith is al-mazluum. This is an indi­vidual who has been wronged, such as a victim of a crime against himself or his property, or if his civil rights have been violated, or he is a victim of fraud or white collar crime. If such a person raises his hands and asks Allah (SWT) for help, his or her prayer will be granted.

Examples of Supplications During Ramadan

It has been reported that the Messenger of Allah (saas) used to say the following:

“Allahumma Inne as aluka birahma -tikal Latee wasi'at kulla shain an Taghfirale”
(O Allah, I request You by Your mercy that encompasses eve­rything in the creation to forgive me.)

Also:

“Dhahaba Zamau, wabta lati'uruq, wa Thabatal Ajru In Sha Allah.”
(The thirst is gone and the throats are wet again and the reward is established, Allah willing.)

Also:
“Allahumma laka sumtu wabika a mantu wa 'alaika Tawakaltu, wa'ala rizquka aftartu.”
(O Allah, I fasted for Your sake. I believed in You and relied on You and I break my fast on your provisions.)

The above supplications have been reported from the Messen­ger of Allah (saas). Anyone of them may be said before you put the date or water in your mouth. Speaking of iftar, it is rec­ommended to be in a state of purity, (wudu) before iftar, so that when the adhan is called for Maghribprayer, anyone who hears the adhan should breakfast immediately at the sound of Allahu Akbar and should not wait until the adhan is completed. The caller will break after adhan.