Dua for Iftar – Prayers for Breaking Your Fast in Ramadan

The moment of breaking the fast is one of the most spiritually charged times in a Muslim's day during Ramadan. After a long day of abstaining from food, drink, and worldly desires for the sake of Allah, the fasting person stands at a unique threshold. A point where physical hunger meets spiritual elevation. It is precisely at this moment that the gates of mercy are flung wide open and supplications are answered.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) confirmed this blessed reality in a powerful hadith:

This hadith teaches us that the dua made at iftar carries extraordinary weight. It is not simply a ritual. It is a golden window of acceptance. Whether you are praying for your family, your health, guidance, or the entire Ummah, the moments before you take that first bite or sip are among the most powerful times to raise your hands to Allah.

But what exactly should you say? What are the authentic duas taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself? In this article, we'll explore the most important duas for iftar, their Arabic text, transliteration, meaning, and authentic sources so you can make the most of this blessed time.

The Primary Dua for Breaking the Fast (Iftar)

The most well-known and authentically narrated dua for breaking the fast comes from the hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). He reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the following words when he broke his fast:

This brief yet profound supplication beautifully captures three dimensions of the fasting experience:

• "Thirst is gone" — acknowledges the physical relief that comes with breaking the fast, expressing gratitude for the blessing of water and sustenance.
• "The veins are moistened" — refers to the body's revival and rejuvenation after hours of abstinence, a recognition of Allah's mercy in sustaining us.
• "The reward is certain, if Allah wills" — reflects absolute trust in Allah's promise. The fasting person affirms that the true goal was never mere hunger, but the spiritual reward from the Most Generous.

Al-Daraqutni narrated this hadith (25) and declared its chain of narration sahih (authentic). Al-Albani also graded it as hasan (good). This makes it the strongest and most reliable dua specifically for the moment of iftar.

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Dua Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr at Iftar

Another beautiful supplication for iftar comes from the great companion Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him). Ibn Abi Mulaikah reported that when Abdullah ibn Amr broke his fast, he would make this heartfelt dua:

This supplication is profoundly moving in its simplicity. It invokes one of Allah's greatest attributes — His all-encompassing mercy (Rahmah) — and asks for the most essential thing a believer needs: forgiveness. The connection between fasting and seeking forgiveness is deeply rooted in Islam, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari 38).

While this narration is from a companion (mawquf) rather than directly from the Prophet (ﷺ), scholars have noted that it carries significant weight because Abdullah ibn Amr was known for his deep devotion and meticulous adherence to the Sunnah. Many scholars recommend reciting this dua at iftar alongside the primary dua from the Prophet (ﷺ).

The Commonly Recited Dua: "Allahumma Laka Sumtu"

Many Muslims around the world recite the following dua at iftar, which has become a beloved tradition across Muslim communities:

A Note on Authenticity: It is important to be transparent about the grading of this hadith. Scholars such as Al-Albani have classified this narration as da'if (weak) because it is a mursal hadith. Meaning there is a gap in its chain of narration. Mu'adh ibn Zuhrah, the narrator, did not directly hear it from the Prophet (ﷺ).

However, many scholars still consider it permissible to recite this dua based on the principle that weak hadiths can be acted upon in matters of virtuous deeds (fadā'il al-a'māl), as long as they are not fabricated and the weakness is not severe. The meaning of the dua itself is perfectly sound and beautiful. It expresses the intention behind fasting (for Allah alone) and gratitude for His provision.

If you wish to follow the strongest evidence, it is best to prioritize the dua "Dhahaba aẓ-ẓama'u..." (Sunan Abu Dawud 2357) and then add this dua alongside it.

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Saying Bismillah Before Eating at Iftar

Beyond the specific iftar duas, it is a confirmed Sunnah to say "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah) before beginning to eat. This applies to every meal, but it carries special significance at iftar when breaking the sacred fast.

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him): "Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you." This hadith, agreed upon by both Bukhari and Muslim, establishes saying Bismillah before eating as one of the essential etiquettes of dining in Islam.

If you forget to say Bismillah at the beginning, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us to say:

The significance of saying Bismillah before eating is immense. In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) explained that when a person does not mention the Name of Allah before eating, Shaytan partakes in their food. But when Bismillah is said, Shaytan is effectively barred from sharing in the meal. This is why it is crucial to begin your iftar with these blessed words.

Dua After Finishing the Meal

After completing your iftar meal, it is also Sunnah to express gratitude to Allah for the provision. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us this beautiful dua to say after eating:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever eats food and then says this, his previous sins will be forgiven." SubhanAllah. What a tremendous reward for such a simple act! This dua is particularly meaningful at iftar, as it combines the forgiveness promised for fasting with the forgiveness promised for this supplication.

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Recommended Sequence: How to Make Dua at Iftar

Based on the authentic evidences we've covered, here is the recommended sequence for making dua when breaking your fast:

1. Raise Your Hands Before the First Bite

As the time of Maghrib enters, begin with personal duas and supplications. This is your most powerful moment. The Prophet (ﷺ) told us that the dua of the fasting person is not rejected (Tirmidhi 3598). Seize this precious window to ask Allah for everything your heart desires. For yourself, your family, your loved ones, and the entire Ummah. Pour your heart out in sincere supplication, for Allah is listening.

2. Break Your Fast with Dates or Water

Follow the beloved Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) by breaking your fast with fresh dates (rutab). If fresh dates are not available, use dried dates (tamr). If neither is available, take a few sips of water. This simple act, done with the intention of following the Prophet (ﷺ), is itself an act of worship and carries its own reward.

3. Recite the Authentic Iftar Dua

As you take your first bite or sip, recite the dua taught by the Prophet (ﷺ): "Dhahaba aẓ-ẓama'u wabtallatil-'urūqu wa thabata al-ajru in shā'a Allāh" — "Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills." This is the strongest and most authentic supplication specifically for the moment of iftar (Sunan Abu Dawud 2357).

4. Say Bismillah Before Your Meal

Before you begin eating your iftar meal, say "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah). The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded us to mention Allah's Name before eating, and warned that Shaytan partakes in the food of those who neglect this. If you forget at the beginning, say: "Bismillāhi awwalahu wa ākhirah" — "In the Name of Allah, at the beginning and at the end of it."

5. Express Gratitude After the Meal

Once you have finished your iftar, complete the spiritual circle by saying: "Al-ḥamdu lillāhil-ladhī aṭ'amanī hādhā wa razaqanīhi min ghayri ḥawlin minnī wa lā quwwah" — "Praise be to Allah who fed me this and provided it for me without any might or power on my part." The Prophet (ﷺ) promised that whoever says this after eating will have their previous sins forgiven (Sunan Abu Dawud 4023).

The Etiquette of Breaking the Fast

The Prophet (ﷺ) set the perfect example for how to break the fast, and following his Sunnah adds more reward and blessing to our iftar:

• Hasten to break the fast: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The people will continue to be fine so long as they hasten to break the fast" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1957). Don't delay iftar unnecessarily.
• Break the fast with dates: Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there were no fresh dates, he would eat dried dates; if there were no dried dates, he would take a few sips of water" (Sunan Abu Dawud 2356).
• Share your iftar: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 807).
• Make dua for your host: If you are invited to break your fast at someone's home, pray for them. The Prophet (ﷺ) would say: "May fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels send blessings upon you" (Sunan Abu Dawud 3854).

Make Every Iftar Moment Count

Iftar is more than a meal. It is a sacred appointment between you and your Creator. Every day of Ramadan, Allah grants you this precious window where your supplications are elevated and your prayers are answered. Don't let this opportunity pass by in mere hunger and haste.

Take a moment before that first date touches your lips. Close your eyes. Feel the gratitude in your heart. Remember those who have no food to break their fast with. Pray for the Ummah. Ask Allah for His mercy, His forgiveness, and His guidance.

And remember: the dua made sincerely, with a hungry stomach and a humble heart, is one of the most powerful prayers a believer can make.

May Allah accept all our fasts, answer all our duas, and make this Ramadan a means of our forgiveness and elevation. Ameen.