The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: When the night approaches from this side and the day retreats on that side, and the sun sets - according to the version of Musaddad - he who fasts has reached the time to break it.
Hadith Text & Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When the night approaches from this side and the day retreats on that side, and the sun sets - according to the version of Musaddad - he who fasts has reached the time to break it."
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2351 establishes the precise moment when the fasting person may lawfully break their fast during Ramadan.
Linguistic Analysis
The phrase "night approaches from this side" refers to the eastern horizon, while "day retreats on that side" indicates the western horizon. This poetic description signifies the complete disappearance of the sun's disk below the horizon.
The specification "according to the version of Musaddad" indicates variant wordings in transmission, though all convey the same essential meaning regarding sunset.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
This hadith establishes that the time for breaking the fast (iftar) begins immediately at sunset, without delay. This is the consensus (ijma') of all four schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
It is recommended (mustahabb) to hasten in breaking the fast once sunset is confirmed, as delaying without valid reason is contrary to the Sunnah.
Spiritual Significance
The precise timing demonstrates Islam's balance between spiritual discipline and divine mercy. The fast is prescribed for the daylight hours only, showing Allah's compassion toward His servants.
Breaking fast at the appointed time is an act of obedience and gratitude, recognizing Allah's precise legislation and the cyclical nature of His creation.
Practical Application
Scholars determine sunset as the complete disappearance of the sun's disk below the horizon, not merely the beginning of its descent.
In contemporary times, this is typically determined by local prayer timetables or visual confirmation. One should not delay ifar based on mere doubt or excessive caution once sunset is reasonably established.