حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، ح قَالَ وَأَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو مُصْعَبٍ، قِرَاءَةً عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ لاَ يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ وَعَائِشَةَ وَأَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَهُوَ الَّذِي اخْتَارَهُ أَهْلُ الْعِلْمِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَغَيْرِهِمُ اسْتَحَبُّوا تَعْجِيلَ الْفِطْرِ ‏.‏ وَبِهِ يَقُولُ الشَّافِعِيُّ وَأَحْمَدُ وَإِسْحَاقُ ‏.‏
Translation
Abu Hurairah narrated that

the Messenger of Allah said: "Allah, Mighty and Sublime is He, said: 'Those of My worshippers who are most beloved to me are the quickest to break their fast.'"

Comment

Hadith Reference

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 700

Source

The Book on Fasting - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Text of the Hadith

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Allah, Mighty and Sublime is He, said: "Those of My worshippers who are most beloved to me are the quickest to break their fast."'"

Commentary

This sacred tradition (hadith qudsi) emphasizes the virtue of hastening to break the fast immediately at sunset. The scholars explain that this demonstrates obedience to Allah's command and avoids extremism in worship.

Breaking the fast promptly follows the Sunnah of the Prophet and shows gratitude for Allah's permission to eat after a day of abstinence. It reflects moderation in religion and prevents imposing unnecessary hardship upon oneself.

The phrase "most beloved to Me" indicates the high spiritual rank attained by those who follow this practice, as they demonstrate their submission to divine legislation without delay or hesitation.

Legal Ruling

The majority of scholars consider it highly recommended (mustahabb) to break the fast immediately when sunset is certain. Delaying without valid reason is disliked (makruh).