‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the night approaches on this side and the day retreats on that side and the sun sets, he who fasts has reached the time to break it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Exposition of the Hadith on Breaking the Fast
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the precise moment when the fasting person may lawfully break their fast. The Messenger of Allah employs eloquent imagery to describe the sunset, stating "when the night approaches on this side and the day retreats on that side," which signifies the complete disappearance of the sun's disk beneath the horizon.
Legal Ruling and Timing
The consensus of scholars holds that the fast must be broken immediately upon sunset, without delay. This is based on the clear command "he who fasts has reached the time to break it." To postpone breaking the fast beyond this time is considered reprehensible (makruh) unless there is a valid excuse.
The wisdom behind this immediate breaking is to distinguish Islamic practice from other religions who might delay evening meals, and to follow the Sunnah promptly. The preferred method is to break with fresh dates, if unavailable then with water, following the Prophetic example.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith teaches us about divine timing and submission to Allah's prescribed boundaries. The moment of breaking fast is a time when supplications are accepted, as the fasting person has fulfilled their obligation and is in a state of obedience. It represents the completion of an act of worship and the beginning of lawful enjoyment of Allah's provisions.
The imagery used reminds us of the perfection of Allah's creation and the precise order He has established in the universe. Just as day and night follow their appointed courses, so too must we follow the divinely prescribed times for our acts of worship.