The dua for breaking the fast (iftar)
The words the Prophet ﷺ said when breaking his fast, with their source.
When breaking the fast, the Prophet ﷺ said a few short words: the thirst has gone, the body is watered again, and the reward is sure if Allah wills. This dua comes from Sunan Abi Dawud, graded hasan by al-Albani. Its Arabic, transliteration and translation are below.
What to say
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba zh-zhama'u wa-btallati l-'urûq, wa thabata l-ajru in shâ'a Llâh
The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is secured, if Allah wills.
| Source | Sunan Abi Dawud 2357 |
|---|---|
| Grade | hasan (good) |
| Graded by | al-Albani |
| Repetitions | once |
When to say it
Right after breaking the fast, with a date or water: its words describe the thirst going away.
Before eating, you also say Allah’s name, as at every meal.
The Prophet ﷺ would say these words at the moment he broke his fast.
Frequently asked questions
Should this dua be said before or after eating?
After the first sip or the first date: the text speaks of thirst already gone.
What about the other, well-known iftar formula?
It is widespread but its chain is disputed. Here we give the one from Sunan Abi Dawud, graded hasan.
What should I say at someone’s home who offers me iftar?
The dua for the host, on the “fasting and Ramadan” page, from Sunan Abi Dawud.
Tilawa editorial team · Updated 2026-10-24 · Report an error