Closing and Opening fast (Arabic-صيام) in Ramadan are two important religious rituals for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims around the world as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, with the intention of gaining closeness to Allah (SWT) and increasing their spiritual self-discipline. At the end of the day, the fast is broken by a meal called Iftar. Ramadan is a time of increased religious devotion and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
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Dua for Opening fast in Ramadan
Opening fast, on the other hand, refers to the meal taken to end the fast each day at sunset, known as iftar. This meal usually starts with dates and water, followed by a variety of foods and is a time for families and communities to come together and break their fasts.
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Narrated Mu’adh ibn Zuhrah (R.A):
Transliteration: Allahumma-inni-laka-sumtu-wa-ala-rizqika-aftartu
Dua for opening fast in english translation: O Allah! For You I have fasted and upon your provision, I have broken my fast.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to say when he broke his fast: O Allah (ﷻ), for Thee I have fasted, and with Thy provision I have broken my fast.
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2358
You can also recite this dua.
Ibn ‘Umar said that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمأُ، وابْتَلَّتِ العُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شاءَ اللَّهُ تَعالى
Transliteration: Dhahabaz-zama’ wabtallati -`urūq wa thabata -‘ajru in shā Allāh.
Translation: “The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward has been earned if Allah (ﷻ) wills.”
when he broke his fast, “Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if God wills.”
Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 1993
Dua for Closing fast in Ramadan
Closing fast refers to the practice of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, known as sehr or suhoor dua.
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِرَمَضَانَ
Transliteration: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
Dua for closing fast in English translation: I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.
Benefits of fasting in Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan, known as Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a physical and spiritual act of worship. Some benefits of fasting during Ramadan include:
- Physical Health: Fasting has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation.
- Mental Health: Fasting can help increase mental clarity and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Spiritual Growth: Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and growth, and fasting helps increase devotion and discipline.
- Increased compassion and empathy: Fasting can help increase compassion for those who are less fortunate and encourage charitable acts.
- Closer connection to community: Ramadan is a time to come together as a community and break bread with loved ones, which can strengthen relationships and create a sense of unity.
- Increased Gratitude and Mindfulness: Fasting can help increase gratitude for the blessings in one’s life and foster a greater sense of mindfulness.
- Breaking Bad Habits: Fasting can help break bad habits, such as overeating, oversleeping. By avoiding these habits during the day, individuals can develop more control over their behavior and establish healthy patterns.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Muslims usually attend special prayers, exchange gifts, and spend time with family and friends.
The festival is a time of joy and celebration after a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. It also serves as a reminder of the benefits and lessons learned during Ramadan, such as self-control, compassion and gratitude. The end of Ramadan reinforces the importance of the practice of fasting and its role in promoting spiritual growth and community building.
