Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah said: "When the night advances and the day retreats, and the sun is hidden, then the fast is to be broken."

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 698 | Book: The Book on Fasting | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Commentary on the Phrasing

This noble hadith employs eloquent metaphorical language to indicate the time for breaking the fast. "When the night advances and the day retreats" poetically describes sunset, when darkness begins to prevail over light. "The sun is hidden" provides the definitive sign - the complete disappearance of the sun's disk below the horizon.

Legal Ruling

Scholars unanimously agree this hadith establishes the obligation to break the fast immediately at sunset. Delaying iftar without valid reason is disliked (makruh), as it contradicts the Sunnah of hastening to break the fast. The wisdom lies in distinguishing Islamic practices from those of People of the Book who delayed breaking fast.

Practical Application

One should break the fast upon certain knowledge of sunset, whether through visual confirmation, reliable announcement, or established timetables. The recommended practice is to break fast with fresh dates, if unavailable then with dried dates, and if neither then with water - following the Prophetic example.

Spiritual Significance

This timing reflects Allah's mercy, allowing believers to conclude their daily worship at the first permissible moment. It teaches us to balance spiritual discipline with gratitude for divine concessions, recognizing that Islam is a religion of ease, not hardship.