Dua for Opening Fast: Arabic, English & Authentic Sources

At Iftar, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that a fasting person’s supplication is never rejected — making the right dua the most consequential moment of the day. The Dhahaba al-zama’u supplication, verified in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, anchors this spiritual opportunity with a blessing no other ritual moment offers.

Primary Iftar Dua Source: IslamicFinder.org · Common Arabic Phrase: Dhahaba al-zama’ · Intention Dua for Fasting: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu · Top Sites Mentioned: 5 Religious Orgs · Related Health Queries: Asthma, Menstruation

The key facts table below consolidates the most referenced data points from five top Islamic organizations.

What is the dua for opening fast?

The most widely recited dua for breaking the fast is “Dhahaba al-zama’u wa abtalat al-‘urooqu wa thabata al-ajru in sha Allah” — meaning “Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is established, if Allah wills.” This supplication appears in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, making it the strongest documented dua for Iftar in Islamic tradition.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted its power when he said: “There are three whose duaa is not rejected — a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the prayer of the oppressed person.” This virtue was reported through Ibn Majah from Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas (Al Mustafa Trust).

Arabic text

ذَهَبَ الظّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ

English translation

“Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is established, if Allah wills.”

Transliteration

“Thahaba ath-thama’u wa abtallatil-‘uruqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha Allah.”

Recite this dua immediately before eating or drinking at sunset. Scholars recommend saying it before breaking your fast rather than after, to avoid distraction and to maximize acceptance (Al Mustafa Trust).

What dua is used to start fasting?

Strictly speaking, there is no single mandatory verbal dua for starting a fast. The niyyah (intention) in your heart is what matters most — and this principle comes directly from the hadith: “Surely, all actions are but driven by intentions.” (My Islam). For a formal intention, the common verbalization is:

وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَان

“Wa bi-sawmi ghadinn nawaytu min shahri Ramadan” — meaning “I intend to fast tomorrow in Ramadan.” (OnePath Network).

Niyyah for fasting

Heart niyyah suffices for the fast to be valid, per Sahih Bukhari hadith on actions by intentions. Verbalizing the intention is encouraged but not mandatory. The Prophet (PBUH) stated: “There is no fast without intention before dawn” (My Dualist).

Dua at Sehri

While no specific authentic duas exist for Suhoor beyond niyyah, the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the blessing of the pre-dawn meal: “Eat Suhoor, for in it is barakah” (OnePath Network).

What to read when opening the fast?

Beyond the primary Dhahaba al-zama’ dua, an equally authentic alternative is the “Allahumma inni laka sumtu” supplication. Reciting “Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu, wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu, wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu” means “O Allah, I fasted for You, believed in You, relied on You, and broke my fast with Your provision” (Al Mustafa Trust).

Sunnah supplications

Two primary authentic Iftar duas exist: the thirst-quenching one recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, and the reliance-on-provision one that emphasizes tawakkul. Both carry spiritual weight. The fasting person has two joys: breaking the fast and meeting their Lord (Al Mustafa Trust).

Alternative duas

A dua from the companions seeks forgiveness: “O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me.” (Al Mustafa Trust). Ramadan duas recommended post-Iftar also carry special reward (Zakat Foundation).

How can you manage asthma while fasting?

For individuals with asthma, fasting requires careful management and consultation with healthcare providers. According to guidelines referenced through Islamic Relief Canada, those with medical conditions should seek personalized advice before fasting.

Natural remedies

Managing asthma during Ramadan involves understanding triggers, maintaining medication schedules where possible, and recognizing when to break the fast for health reasons. The Islamic tradition prioritizes preservation of life — if fasting poses genuine health risks, exemption applies.

Medical consultation

The Better Health Channel guidelines emphasize first aid protocols and proper asthma management. Patients should consult with their physicians before Ramadan to adjust medication timing around Suhoor and Iftar.

What happens when a girl gets her period during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, women who menstruate are temporarily exempt from fasting. Islamic Relief Worldwide guidelines clarify that menstruation nullifies the fast, requiring the woman to make up the missed days after Ramadan.

Rulings on fasting

Menstruation automatically breaks the fast — no sin attaches to this. The woman must make up the missed fasts (qada) at a later date. She may still engage in dua, remembrance, and charity during this period.

Resuming after

Once menstruation ends, the woman resumes fasting from the next day. She should make up all missed fasts before the next Ramadan if health permits. Scholars recommend planning ahead and tracking missed days throughout the year.

Step-by-step: How to recite the opening fast dua

Three authentic duas to use when breaking your fast, with practical guidance on timing and meaning.

1. Prepare the intention (Niyyah) — Before dawn, confirm your intention to fast in your heart. Verbalization is optional but encouraged. Source: My Islam.
2. Wait for Maghrib adhan — Do not break your fast until verified sunset. Confirm via local schedules or astronomical calculations.
3. Recite the primary Iftar dua — Say: “Dhahaba al-zama’u wa abtalat al-‘urooqu wa thabata al-ajru in sha Allah” immediately before eating or drinking. Source: Alif Quran Academy.
4. Optionally add the tawakkul dua — “Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu, wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu, wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu” for an alternative supplication. Source: Al Mustafa Trust.
5. Break your fast — Begin with dates or water after reciting the dua. The Prophet (PBUH) broke his fast with dates and water.
6. Continue with post-Iftar duas — Additional supplications after Iftar carry special reward according to the Zakat Foundation.

There are three whose duaa is not rejected – a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the prayer of the oppressed person.— Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reported in Ibn Majah via Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas (Al Mustafa Trust)

Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is a blessing.— Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), recorded in Bukhari and Muslim (OnePath Network)

The two authentic Iftar duas serve distinct spiritual purposes: one acknowledges physical relief and established reward, while the other emphasizes faith, reliance, and gratitude for sustenance. For those managing health conditions during Ramadan, Islamic law provides clear exemptions — the obligation to fast is preserved through the make-up provision, ensuring no one is left without a path to fulfill this pillar of worship.

Related reading: Authentic Dua for Opening Fast from Sahih Bukhari and Muslim · Alternative Dua for Breaking Fast and Its Virtues

During Ramadan iftar, Muslims recite the prophetic supplication detailed in authentic Arabic text and hadith, marking sunset’s spiritual release from daily fasting.

Frequently asked questions