I and Masruq entered upon 'Aishah and we said: Mother of believers, there are two persons from the Companions of the Muhammad (ﷺ). One of them hastens to break the fast and hastens to pray while the other delays to break the fast and delays praying. She asked: Which of them hastens to break the fast and hasten to pray ? We replied: 'Abd Allah (b. Mas'ud). She said: Thus did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) do.
Hadith Context & Transmission
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2354 in the Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam) reports the inquiry of two companions, including Masruq ibn al-Ajda', to the Mother of Believers, 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). They presented two contrasting approaches to breaking the fast and performing the Maghrib prayer.
Scholarly Commentary on the Practice
The hastening to break the fast (ta'jil al-fitr) immediately upon sunset is a confirmed Sunnah, as it demonstrates gratitude for Allah's provision and follows the Prophetic command to break fast before praying.
The hastening to perform Maghrib prayer promptly at its earliest time, after a quick break of fast, preserves the prayer's recommended timing and prevents unnecessary delay that could lead to negligence.
Legal Ruling & Significance
This hadith establishes the superiority of 'Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud's approach, which 'Aishah confirmed was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). This constitutes a clear Sunnah that Muslims are recommended to follow.
The ruling derived is that it is recommended (mustahabb) to break the fast immediately at sunset and then perform the Maghrib prayer promptly, though performing prayer later within its timeframe remains valid.
Wisdom Behind the Practice
Hastening to break the fast shows eagerness for Allah's permission and mercy after a day of obedience, while hastening to prayer demonstrates the importance of worshipping Allah at the preferred times.
This practice balances between fulfilling the right of the body through timely nourishment and fulfilling the right of the Creator through timely worship, embodying comprehensive Islamic conduct.