Salman b. ‘Amir reported God’s messenger as saying, “When one of you breaks his fast he should do so with dates for they provide blessing; but if he cannot get any he should break his fast with water for it is purifying.” Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it, but only Tirmidhi included “for they provide blessing.”
The Excellence of Breaking Fast with Dates
The noble hadith from Salman b. 'Amir al-Dabbi (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the Prophetic guidance regarding the preferred manner of breaking one's fast. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) designated dates as the premier substance for iftar, stating they contain barakah (blessing). This blessing manifests in both spiritual and physical dimensions - the dates provide immediate energy to the fasting body while simultaneously carrying divine favor.
The Wisdom Behind This Prophetic Guidance
Dates contain natural sugars that are quickly absorbed by the body, providing immediate nourishment after the day's abstention. The Prophet's specification demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic guidance, addressing both spiritual and physical needs.
Scholars note that following this Sunnah brings multiple rewards: the reward of following the Prophet's example, the physical benefit of the dates' nutritional properties, and the spiritual blessing inherent in adhering to divine guidance.
The Secondary Option: Water as Purification
When dates are unavailable, water serves as the alternative. The Prophet described water as "purifying" (tuhur), indicating its cleansing properties both physically and symbolically. Water quenches thirst, rehydrates the body, and prepares the digestive system for the meal to follow.
This hierarchy of preference demonstrates the Shari'ah's practicality - providing an accessible alternative while maintaining the excellence of the primary recommendation.
Juridical Ruling and Contemporary Application
The majority of scholars consider this practice recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. However, the consistent practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions establishes it as a strongly emphasized Sunnah.
In contemporary times, Muslims should strive to obtain dates for iftar when possible. If unavailable, any sweet substance or water fulfills the Sunnah of breaking fast quickly at sunset.