USC
Compendium of Muslim Texts
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SUPPLICATIONS DURING AND AT BREAK TIME

The Lawgiver has recommended that the fasting person take the opportunity on this occasion and beseech Allah during the period of fasting, especially around the hour of breaking fast, iftaar. He should request diligently, whatever he or she desires, from the Owner of creation, Rabbil Alameen.

In the book of Ibn Maja, Abdullah bin 'Amru bin 'Al-As (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "Indeed, as to the faster, about the time he breaks his fast, his du'a, (supplication) will not be turned away by Allah." This hadith reveals a special privilege afforded only to the servant who observes fasting and at the hour he brings his fasting to a close. Each fasting person has the right to supplication and the right that it will be answered, a promise from the One who never reneges on His promises.

However, granting the faster's du'a request falls within the conditions of du'a. That is, whatever you ask Allah (SWT), He will grant it in His own time, and when he knows that granting your request will not lead to your ruin. Do not ask of Him something unlawful.

In a report by Tirmidhi (raa), the Messenger of Allah (saas) has been reported as saying: "There are three categories of people whose du'a (supplications) will not be rejected: the person who observes the fast until he breaks, a just ruler, and the person who has been wronged." This citation supports the previous one, while adding that when prayers are offered during fasting, supplications are highly encouraged.

In addition to the faster, a ruler's acts of justice weigh heavily on the scale of good deeds (mizaan). This is the person whose pronouncements, orders and decrees affects the lives of others. The ruler may be a political leader, a judge, or a community leader who does not abuse the power and authority invested in him. If any one of them makes a request, Allah (SWT) will swiftly grant it.

Conversely, on the reverse side, if the faster did not observe fasting properly, or the ruler abuses the power invested in him, their supplications will not only be turned away unanswered, but will incur the wrath of Allah.

The third person in the Hadith is al-mazluum. This is an individual who has been wronged, such as a victim of a crime against himself or his property, or if his civil rights have been violated, or he is a victim of fraud or white collar crime. If such a person raises his hands and asks Allah (SWT) for help, his or her prayer will be granted.


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