Sehri and Iftari Dua with Translation

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During which Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset. Two important moments during this sacred time are Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftari (the meal to break the fast). Accompanying these meals are specific supplications that hold immense spiritual significance. Understanding and reciting these duas properly can enhance your connection with Allah and bring numerous blessings to your fast.

In this blog, you will learn sehri and iftar dua in Arabic with translation and transliteration. 

Understanding Sehri and Its Spiritual Importance

Sehri, also known as Suhoor or Sahari, is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr prayer and the beginning of the daily fast. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of eating Sehri, calling it a blessed meal that distinguishes the Muslim fast from other forms of fasting. This meal provides physical nourishment for the day ahead while serving as a spiritual preparation for worship.

The time for Sehri extends from midnight until the break of dawn, though it is most virtuous to eat shortly before Fajr. This practice demonstrates obedience to the Sunnah and ensures that fasting Muslims have adequate energy throughout the day.

Dua for Starting Sehri (Suhoor Prayer)

While there is no specific mandatory dua exclusively for beginning Sehri, Muslims typically start their pre-dawn meal by reciting Bismillah and may include the general dua for starting a meal. The intention (niyyah) for fasting is made during or after Sehri, before Fajr prayer.

Dua for Sehri (Intention for Fasting)

The intention for fasting is an essential component of the fast itself. While the intention resides in the heart, many Muslims prefer to verbalize it for clarity and focus. This dua is recited after eating the sehri meal. It begins the fasting. 

وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaitu min shahri Ramadan

I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan

This intention can be made during Sehri or anytime before Fajr prayer. The key is sincere commitment in your heart to fast for the sake of Allah alone.

Understanding Iftari and Breaking the Fast

Iftari, also called Iftar, is the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset. This moment is particularly special as it represents the completion of a day’s worship and is considered a time when duas are readily accepted. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would break his fast promptly at sunset, usually with dates and water, following this with the Maghrib prayer before having a full meal.

Breaking the fast at the proper time is crucial. The Prophet said that people will continue to be upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast. It emphasizes the importance of not delaying Iftar beyond sunset.

Dua for Breaking the Fast (Iftar Supplication)

The moment of breaking the fast is one of the most blessed times for making dua. Several authentic supplications have been reported for this occasion.

Primary Dua for Iftar

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu

O Allah, I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and I break my fast with Your sustenance

This comprehensive dua acknowledges that the fast was performed solely for Allah’s pleasure and that we depend entirely on His provisions.

Alternative Dua for Breaking Fast

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Dhahaba adh-dhama’ wabtallatil ‘urooq wa thabatal ajru insha Allah

The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.

This beautiful dua recognizes the physical relief from thirst and hunger while affirming hope in Allah’s reward for the completed fast.

Additional Sunnah Practices for Sehri and Iftari

For Sehri Time

Beyond the duas, several practices enhance the blessings of Sehri. Waking up for this pre-dawn meal is itself an act of worship. The Prophet encouraged Muslims to delay Sehri as much as possible, eating shortly before Fajr, as there is a great blessing in these final moments before dawn.

It is recommended to eat nutritious foods that provide sustained energy, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and include dates in your Sehri meal. After eating, one should make istighfar (seek forgiveness) and prepare for Fajr prayer with full concentration.

For Iftari Time

The Sunnah is to break the fast immediately upon sunset, traditionally with dates and water, following the Prophet’s example. If dates are not available, water alone is sufficient. The Prophet would say a short dua upon breaking his fast, as mentioned above, before proceeding to Maghrib prayer.

After the prayer, Muslims typically return to complete their meal. It is also Sunnah to provide Iftari to others, as the Prophet said that whoever provides food for a fasting person to break his fast will receive the same reward as the faster without diminishing the reward of the one who fasted.

The Spiritual Benefits of Proper Duas

Reciting the correct duas during Sehri and Iftari transforms these daily acts into profound spiritual experiences. These supplications offer numerous spiritual benefits:

• Heightened Spiritual Awareness: Duas remind us that fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink but a comprehensive act of worship involving the heart, tongue, and body.
• Gratitude and Humility: Acknowledging Allah’s provisions through supplication cultivates thankfulness and humility, recognizing that all sustenance comes from Him alone.
• Alignment of Physical and Spiritual Needs: Beginning Sehri with Allah’s name and ending our fast with gratitude aligns our physical nourishment with our spiritual journey.
• Increased Rewards: Following the Prophet’s Sunnah in reciting these duas multiplies the rewards of fasting beyond the act itself.
• Mindful Worship: The duas serve as bookends to our daily fast, framing the entire experience within remembrance of Allah and maintaining focus throughout the day.
• Protection from Heedlessness: Regular recitation prevents fasting from becoming a mere routine, keeping the spiritual dimension alive in our daily practice.
• Strengthened Connection with Allah: These moments of supplication create intimate conversations with the Creator, deepening our relationship with Him during this blessed month.

Conclusion

Sehri and Iftari are not just meals but integral parts of the Ramadan worship experience. By learning and regularly reciting the authentic duas associated with these times, Muslims can deepen their spiritual connection and earn greater rewards. The combination of physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment through supplication creates a holistic fasting experience that benefits both body and soul.

FAQS

What is the best time to make dua during fasting?

The most blessed time for dua during fasting is at the moment of breaking the fast (Iftari). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the dua of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is not rejected. Additionally, the last third of the night during Sehri time and the time just before Iftar are also highly recommended for making supplications.

Can I break my fast without reciting the Iftar dua?

Yes, your fast is valid even if you don’t recite the dua when breaking it. However, reciting the dua is highly recommended as it is from the Sunnah of the Prophet and brings additional blessings and rewards. The dua helps maintain mindfulness of Allah and gratitude for His provisions, making the act of breaking fast a spiritual experience rather than just a physical one.

What should I do if I forget to make the intention for fasting at Sehri?

For obligatory fasts like those in Ramadan, the intention can be made anytime during the night before Fajr, and some scholars say it’s valid even if made before sleeping. If you completely forgot, the general intention to fast throughout Ramadan made at the beginning of the month is sufficient according to many scholars. However, it’s best practice to renew your intention each night or at Sehri time.

Is it necessary to recite the dua in Arabic, or can I say it in my own language?

While reciting duas in Arabic as taught by the Prophet is most virtuous and rewarding. You can recite them in your native language while gradually memorizing the Arabic. The most important aspect is sincerity and understanding what you’re saying.