Fasting or Sawm is one of Islam’s most significant acts of worship. It teaches patience and self-control and brings us closer to Allah. In this post, we will learn the Dua for Fasting and the Dua for breaking the Fast (iftar), as they open the doors of mercy and blessings.
Dua for Fasting
There is no specific dua before fasting. But when beginning the fast, it is important to make the intention in the heart, which is called Niyyah. While there is no specific wording required nor recommended for the intention (niyyah), a common word that is often recited is:
(نَوَيْتُ بِصَوْمِ غَدٍ (مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Nawaitu bisawmi ghadin (min shahri Ramadaan)
If you are fasting in a month other than Ramadan, don’t say the last part min shahri Ramadaan
Translation: I intend to fast tomorrow (in the month of Ramadan).
Indeed, this intention is made in the heart and doesn’t require verbal articulation. But people say it for extra satisfaction.
Dua for Breaking a Fast (Dua for Iftar)
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“When the fasting person breaks his fast, his supplication is not turned back.” Sunan Ibn Majah 1753
So ask Allah whatever you want. Our predecessors used to ask for Allah’s forgiveness before iftar or breaking the fast.
Ibn Abi Mulaika said: When Abdullah bin ‘Amr (One of the famous companions of Allah’s messenger) broke his fast, I heard him say:
ْاَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِيْ وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي
Allāhumma Innī As aluka Bi Rahmatikal Latī Wasi’at Kulla Shai in An Taghfira Lī
(O Allah! I ask You by Your mercy, which encompasses all things, to forgive me.)
Dua before Iftar
Say this dua before breaking the fast, just before eating or drinking:
اَللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ، وَعَلىٰ رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allāhumma Laka Sumtu Wa ‘Alā Rizqika Aftartu
O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision I have broken my fast.
-Sunan Abu Dawud 2358, ‘Amalul Yawmi Wal-lailah Ibnus Sunni 480
Dua after Iftar
Recite this dua after you broke your fasting. Like, If you are breaking your fast with dates, recite them after eating dates, then complete your meal. The dua is:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوْقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahabaz Zama Wabtalatil ‘Urūq Wa Thabatal Ajr Insha Allah
(Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills).
-Abu Dawud: 2357
When we recite these duas after fasting all long day, it will enhance our Sawm and make us remember Allah and be grateful to him because He granted us Tawfiq to stay all day without eating and drinking. At the end of the day, He allowed us to eat and drink. So we all should recite dua for fasting and breaking fast from the bottom of our hearts.