The Evidence for Breaking the Fast with Ruthab

Breaking the fast with ruthob dates (ruthab/wet dates) is not merely a tradition; it is a practice grounded in the sunnah. From Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) broke his fast with ruthab (wet/fresh dates) before prayer; if there were no ruthab, then with tamr (dried dates); and if there were no tamr, he would take a few sips of water (narrated by Abu Dawud no. 2356, authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albani in Sahih Abu Dawud).

The Priority Order for Iftar in the Sunnah

From the hadith above, scholars derive the order of preference for breaking the fast:

  1. Ruthab (wet/ruthob dates) — the first and most preferred choice.
  2. Tamr (dried dates) — if ruthab is unavailable.
  3. Water — if no dates are available at all.

This order shows that ruthob holds the foremost position for breaking the fast. That is why many Muslim families in Jakarta and Greater Jakarta make a point of providing ruthob specifically for iftar.

The Wisdom Behind This Recommendation

Scholars and nutritionists note several wisdoms in choosing ruthob for iftar:

  • Fast energy: the natural sugars (glucose and fructose) in ruthob are easily absorbed, restoring energy after a day of fasting.
  • Gentle on the stomach: ruthob's moist, soft texture is kinder to an empty stomach than heavy food.
  • Aids hydration: ruthob's high moisture helps restore body fluids.
  • Following the Prophet's example: practising the sunnah carries its own worship value and blessing.

How to Practise It

Here are simple steps for breaking the fast in line with the sunnah:

  1. Hasten to break the fast as soon as maghrib arrives (without delay).
  2. Begin with ruthob, in an odd number where possible (some scholars note the merit of odd numbers), then water.
  3. Recite the authentic iftar supplication.
  4. Perform the maghrib prayer, then continue with a fuller meal if needed.

Ruthob, Not Just Anything Sweet

It's important to understand that this recommendation specifically names ruthab/tamr, not merely "something sweet." The often-quoted phrase about "breaking the fast with something sweet" does not have an authentic chain as a saying of the Prophet. What is firmly established is breaking the fast with ruthab, then tamr, then water. Therefore, providing genuine ruthob dates is preferable to just any sweet food.

Choosing Ruthob for Iftar in Greater Jakarta

To practise this sunnah with the best quality, choose fresh ruthob handled with a cold chain. Rumah Ruthob offers various varieties — Libyan Ruthob, Palestinian Barhi, and Iranian Mazafati — kept frozen at our Cakung, East Jakarta warehouse and delivered fresh across Greater Jakarta. That way, your iftar is not only an act of worship but also a delight with quality ruthob.

Note: this article is general Islamic education. For detailed fiqh, please refer to a trusted ustadz or scholar.