RAMADAN TALK 07: Ibadah after iftar

[MrVan]

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Many spend most time in eating during the time of breaking fast (iftar) to make up for what had been missed during the day to the detriment of giving enough time for the worship and remembering of Allah.

The month of Ramadan should rather be used as an opportunity of getting closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and attracting His blessings at any time of the day in the month.  Concentration on food throughout the evening is not a good use of time and ibadah in the month.

Of what use is the fast, if at the time of breaking it not only make up for all one has missed during the day, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods?  Like it has been said before, this is another time we bring the poor and the fasting needy to the table to celebrate the day's fasting if we have more that what we can take moderately.  It is more like a social affair than a spiritual fiesta.

Hasten to break the fast

Avoid a situation where your fast will drag into the night. It is advisable to break fast immediately it is sunset. Be conscious of your fast just as you are with your prayers. You don't have to wait for the stars to to be visible before breaking your fast. Again, this has to be done before the Maghrib saalaat as in the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

What should be said at the time of breaking fast

Make du'aa before breaking your fast, remember that the supplications of three groups of people are not rejected; the du'aa of the fasting person when he is breaking his fast, the du'aa of the just Imam and the du'aa of the oppressed. As a fasting person, among other prayer you will say ALLAAHUMMA LAKA S'UMTU WA A'LAA RIZQIKA AFT'ARTU WA A'LAYKA TAWAWKKALTU, FA-TAQABBAL MINNAA INNAKA ANTAS SAMEE-U'L A'LEEM

It is, therefore, essential to cut down one's intake of what one would consume on a normal night, when not fasting. No benefit is derived from the fast if one consumes as much as he or she would usually take during the day and night combined.

After the fast has been broken, the heart should swing to Allah, in supplication on forgiveness and blessing. Embark on super- rogatory prayers, tahjud and recitation of the Holy Quran.

May Allah accept it as act of Ibaadah, forgive us and bless us abundantly.

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