We were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) on a journey and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he addressed somebody, "O so-and-so, get up and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! (If you wait) till it is evening." The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "It is still daytime."(1) The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He got down and mixed Sawiq for them. The Prophet (ﷺ) drank it and then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast."
Hadith Text and Context
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: We were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) on a journey and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he addressed somebody, "O so-and-so, get up and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! (If you wait) till it is evening." The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "It is still daytime." The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He got down and mixed Sawiq for them. The Prophet (ﷺ) drank it and then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1955)
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's practical teaching methodology. The companion's hesitation stemmed from his observation that daylight remained visible, showing the caution early Muslims exercised regarding fasting times.
The Prophet's repeated command emphasizes the importance of breaking fast immediately at sunset without delay, even if some light remains in the sky. This establishes the principle that fasting ends at maghrib (sunset), not when complete darkness falls.
Legal Rulings Derived
The primary ruling is the obligation to break fast immediately at sunset. Scholars agree that delaying iftar without valid reason is disliked (makruh).
The phrase "when you see night falling from this side" refers to the darkness appearing from the eastern horizon after sunset, indicating the precise moment for breaking fast.
Sawiq (a barley-based drink) was commonly used for breaking fast, showing the simplicity of permissible iftar foods.
Spiritual Significance
This teaching shows Islam's balanced approach - neither being overly strict nor excessively lax. Breaking fast promptly demonstrates gratitude for Allah's permission and acknowledges the completion of the day's worship.
The Prophet's patience in repeating his command four times exemplifies ideal teaching manners and the importance of establishing correct practices through practical demonstration.