Dua for Opening Fast (Iftar) — Arabic Text and Meaning

When the Maghrib adhan sounds and the fast comes to its end, there is a moment the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to mark with words. It takes only a few seconds to say, but it transforms the act of eating into an act of worship. This is the dua for opening the fast — the supplication recited at Iftar before the first bite or sip.

The Main Dua for Opening Fast — Dhahaba Al-Zama

This dua was reported by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and is the most widely recited supplication at Iftar.

Arabic:

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Transliteration:

Dhahaba al-zama'u wabtallatil-'uruqu wa thabata al-ajru in sha Allah

Translation:

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

Source: Narrated by Abu Dawud, 2357. Graded hasan by al-Albani.

This dua acknowledges the physical reality of the moment — the thirst is gone, the body is being replenished — and immediately anchors it in the spiritual: the reward of the fast is confirmed with Allah, if He wills. The phrase in sha Allah (if Allah wills) is not a sign of doubt. It is a mark of humility, recognizing that only Allah knows the sincerity and acceptance of one's worship.

The Second Dua — Allahumma Laka Sumtu

A second supplication is also narrated from the Prophet ﷺ for the moment of breaking fast. It was reported by Mu'adh ibn Zuhrah.

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Transliteration:

Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu

Translation:

"O Allah, for You I fasted and upon Your provision I have broken my fast."

Source: Narrated by Abu Dawud, 2358. Graded hasan.

This version focuses on intention and gratitude. The fast was performed for Allah alone (laka sumtu — for You I fasted), and the food that ends it comes from Allah's provision (rizqika — Your provision). It is a complete spiritual statement in a single breath.

Note on a longer variant: You may also encounter "Allahumma inni laka sumtu" — with "inni" (meaning "I") inserted. This is a variation found in some narrations and carries the same meaning. Both wordings are acceptable.

Also Say Bismillah Before Eating

Whether or not you say the full iftar dua, always begin eating by saying:

Arabic:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ

Transliteration:

Bismillah

Translation:

"In the name of Allah."

Source: Narrated by Bukhari, 5376; Muslim, 2017

Bismillah is the sunnah before every meal. At Iftar, it follows naturally after the dua for opening the fast. If you forget to say it at the start, say: Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirih — "In the name of Allah at its beginning and its end." (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 3767.)

When to Recite the Dua

Say it at the exact moment you open the fast — before the first date, before the first sip of water, before any food passes your lips. This is the point at which the fast ends, and that is where the dua belongs.

Do not wait until after the meal or after Maghrib prayer. The power of these words lies in the transition itself — moving from fasting to eating while consciously directing both states toward Allah ﷻ.

If you forget and remember mid-meal, say it then. Forgetting does not invalidate your fast or your reward, but making it a consistent habit is the goal, especially through Ramadan.

You do not need to raise your hands for this dua, though raising hands in supplication is a general sunnah. If you are sitting at a crowded Iftar table, say it quietly to yourself before you eat. It takes three seconds.

The Window of Accepted Dua at Iftar

The moment of breaking the fast is one of the most powerful times for supplication. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of the fasting person when breaking the fast, the supplication of the just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed."

Source: Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3598; Ibn Majah, 1752. Graded hasan.

This means the window right at Iftar — as you open your fast — is a moment to do more than recite the iftar dua. After saying Dhahaba al-zama or Allahumma laka sumtu, pause briefly and make your personal supplications. Ask for health, forgiveness, ease in your affairs, guidance for your family, and whatever is weighing on your heart. The door is open. Do not let Iftar pass without stepping through it.

The Sunnah of What to Open the Fast With

The iftar dua connects directly to another sunnah: what you open the fast with. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

"The Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, he would break it with dried dates. If there were no dried dates, he would take some sips of water."

Source: Narrated by Abu Dawud, 2356; al-Tirmidhi, 696. Graded hasan.

Breaking the fast with dates before Maghrib prayer is the sunnah. Dates provide fast-absorbing natural sugars after a long fast and help stabilize blood sugar before the prayer. If dates are unavailable, water is sufficient. A light opening before prayer, then a full meal after Maghrib, follows the Prophet's ﷺ established practice.

Does the Dua Apply Outside Ramadan?

Yes. These supplications are not limited to Ramadan. Any time you fast and break it, the dua for opening the fast applies — voluntary Monday and Thursday fasts, the fast of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah), the fast of Ashura (10th of Muharram), the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month), or a make-up fast (qadha).

The Prophet ﷺ fasted frequently outside Ramadan. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "The Prophet ﷺ used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays." (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 745; graded hasan sahih.) Adopting voluntary fasts means this dua becomes a regular part of your week, not just an annual Ramadan habit.

Related Duas

• Dua for Fasting — the complete collection of duas related to fasting
• Dua for Breaking Fast — the full breakdown of iftar duas with hadith grading
• Dua for Beginning Fasting — the niyyah and suhoor supplications
• Prayer Times — find your exact Maghrib time so you know when to open your fast

For a complete collection of daily and occasional duas with Arabic text, transliteration, and sources, visit the Dua collection on Islamful.

Wallahu a'lam — والله أعلم — Allah knows best.