8 Recommended Acts While Fasting

The number of beneficial acts that we can perform during Ramadan is limitless. But there are 8 acts that should, at a minimum, be performed during Ramadan.

The following are recommended (mustahab) acts of fasting that should be performed during the month of Ramadan:

1. SUHUR

The suhur is the pre‐dawn meal (which should be taken before the beginning of Fajr). Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “Take the suhur for there is blessing in it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Abu Sa’id Al‐Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “The suhur is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a [gulp] of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels who seek forgiveness for those who take suhur.” (Ahmad)

2. HASTENING TO BREAK THE FAST (IFTAR)

It is recommended that the person fasting breaks his fast (iftar) as soon as the sun
sets. Sahl Ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

3. BREAKING THE FAST WITH DATES

The Messenger of Allah, used to encourage the breaking of the fast with dates and if they were not available, then with water. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah used to break the fast with fresh dates before praying, and if not with fresh dates then with old dates, and if not with dates then with some mouthfuls of water.” (Ahmad)

4. TO MAKE DU’A AT THE TIME OF BREAKING THE FAST

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the fasting person,
the supplication of the one who is oppressed and the supplication of the traveller.” (Ibn Majah)

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “There are three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed.” (Tirmidhi)

Indeed when the Messenger of Allah broke his fast, he used to say: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.” (Abu Dawud)

5. INVITING OTHERS TO IFTAR

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who gives food for a fasting person to break fast, will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the reward of the fasting person.” (Ahmad)

6. GENEROSITY AND STUDYING THE QUR’AN

It is recommended to be generous (in spending from one’s wealth) and to read the Quran at all times but especially in the month of Ramadan. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of all people especially in Ramadan when Jibra’il used to come to him. He used to meet Jibra’il on every night of Ramadan and study the Quran with him.” (Bukhari)

7. STRIVING IN WORSHIP OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The Messenger of Allah used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times.” (Muslim)

8. REFRAINING FROM ACTS WHICH ENDANGER THE FAST

One should refrain from every act which will endanger the fast and make it devoid of any rewards and benefits. The Messenger of Allah encouraged the Muslim who fasts to display noble manner; to be far from foul speech and evil actions; and abstain from rude and obscene talk. Two acts which should be carefully avoided in his month are falsehood and ignorant and indecent speech.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

In the context of indecent speech, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, also narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Fasting is not [merely abstaining from eating and drinking, rather it is [abstaining] from ignorant and indecent speech, so if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’” (Ibn Khuzaimah)

Source: Fasting & Ramadan: The Essentials, SM Hasan Al‐Banna