Eating a meal to break the fast is not only about satisfying hunger and thirst, but is also a moment full of spiritual and ethical values taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In Islamic tradition, the etiquette of breaking the fast is an important part of the Ramadan worship that must be implemented by Muslims.
Teaching the manners of breaking the fast to children is an effective way to introduce them to the religious and ethical values taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The Prophet also emphasized the importance of immediately breaking the fast as soon as the Maghrib call to prayer sounds. This not only shows obedience to Allah's commands, but also respects the time set for breaking the fast. By teaching children to break their fast immediately when the Maghrib call to prayer arrives, mothers can guide them to respect time and adhere to religious teachings.
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5 Etiquette for breaking the fast according to Prophet Muhammad SAW
Quoting various sources, here are the etiquettes for breaking the fast that can be taught to your little one. Read more.
1. Breaking the fast should be hastened
Rushing to break the fast is a practice taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He emphasized the importance of immediately canceling the fast as soon as the time for breaking the fast arrives, which is when the Maghrib call to prayer is resounding.
This reflects obedience to Islamic teachings and awareness of the blessings contained in breaking the fast at the right time. By teaching this adab to children, Mother helps them understand the importance of obeying religious guidance in every aspect of daily life, including in matters of worship such as fasting.
In a hadith narrated in the words of the Messenger of Allah from Sahl bin Sa'ad:
People will continue to be well as long as they hasten to break the fast
Meaning: “People are always in good condition as long as they break the fast immediately (when the time has come).” (HR Bukhari).
On the other hand, breaking the fast immediately also provides an opportunity for children to feel relief and enjoyment after enduring hunger and thirst all day, and teaches them to be grateful for the blessings given by Allah SWT.
2. Do not eat excessively
Not overeating when breaking the fast is one of the etiquette taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He emphasized the importance of not exceeding the limit in consuming food and drinks when breaking the fast.
In his hadith, the Prophet SAW said:
“There is no worse place for a human to fill, except his stomach. Because actually a few mouthfuls are enough for him to straighten his back. Even if he wants to eat, he should arrange one third for his food, one third for his drink, and one third for his breath.” (HR. Ahmad, an-Nasa'i and At-Tirmidhi).
By teaching this principle to children, Mother helps them understand that fasting is not only about enduring hunger and thirst, but also about self-control and controlling desires. This helps them to maintain health and understand the values of simplicity taught by the Islamic religion.
3. Breaking the fast with dates
The Prophet taught to break the fast with dates. He often started breaking the fast by eating a few fresh dates before continuing with other foods and drinks. This is not only a tradition, but also has high nutritional value and provides the energy the body needs after fasting all day.
The Prophet SAW said in a hadith narrated by Abu Dawud, “When one of you breaks his fast, then break his fast with dates, because dates bring blessings. But if there are none, break his fast with water because water is clean.”
Teaching children to break their fast with dates not only follows religious guidance, but also helps them understand the importance of choosing foods that are nutritious and provide energy when starting to eat after fasting. Apart from that, dates are also seen as a refreshing and healthy food, thus providing a pleasant breaking fast experience for children.
4. Break the fast with the family
Breaking the fast with family is one of the traditions that is highly recommended in Islam. This practice creates strong family bonds and strengthens relationships between family members. Apart from that, breaking the fast together also creates an opportunity to share happiness, pray together, and increase the feeling of brotherhood among family members.
Prophet Muhammad SAW said through the hadith of Abu Dawud.
“The companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW asked, 'why don't you eat enough?' Then, the Prophet returned and asked, 'Are you eating alone?' The companions answered, 'yes',” (HR Abu Dawud).
Eating a meal together when breaking the fast not only creates precious moments of togetherness, but also provides an opportunity to gather, talk and share daily experiences. This also provides an opportunity for mothers to teach religious values to their little ones, such as gratitude and kindness in a warm and supportive family atmosphere.
5. Breaking the fast with sweet food and drinks
Breaking the fast with sweet foods and drinks is sunnah for Muslims all over the world. One of the foods that is often used to break the fast is dates which are rich in natural sugar and a good source of energy after a day of hunger and thirst. Apart from that, sweet drinks such as Zamzam water or fruit juice are also often served to restore sugar levels in the body which decrease during fasting.
This is also based on the opinion presented by Ulama Al Qadhi Ar Ruyani in his book Al Majmu' Syarh Al Muhadzdzab. “Break the fast with dates, if there are none then with halawah (sweets), if there are none then with water”
Starting to break the fast with sweet foods and drinks not only provides instant energy, but also provides a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction after fasting all day. This is also a fun moment for families to gather and enjoy a meal together after enduring hunger and thirst all day.
This is a review of the etiquette of breaking the fast according to the teachings of the Prophet. Hopefully this Ramadan will bring blessings to you and your family.
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