Ramadan is a month of mercy, generosity, and multiplied rewards. Among the many virtuous deeds encouraged in this blessed month, feeding a fasting person at the time of Iftar holds a special and highly rewarded status in Islam. It is a simple act outwardly, yet immense in spiritual weight. On Day 12 of Ramadan, let us reflect on the virtues, rewards, Qur’anic guidance, Prophetic teachings, and inspiring stories from the Sahabah (companions) regarding giving Iftar to those who fast.
The Spirit of Generosity in Ramadan
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink; it is also about cultivating compassion and empathy. When a believer feeds another fasting
Ramadan Day 12: The Reward of Giving Iftar to Those Who Fast
Ramadan is the month of mercy, generosity, and multiplied blessings. Every good deed performed in this sacred month carries greater reward, but among the most beloved acts in the sight of Allah is feeding a fasting person at the time of Iftar. It is an act that combines charity, compassion, and service to those who are worshipping Allah through fasting.
On the twelfth day of Ramadan, we reflect on this beautiful deed — its rewards in the Qur’an and Hadith, and the inspiring examples set by the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ﷺ).
The Virtue of Feeding the Fasting in the Qur’an
Although the Qur’an does not mention Iftar specifically in one verse, it repeatedly emphasizes feeding others purely for the sake of Allah.
Allah says:
“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying: ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’”
— (Surah Al-Insan 76:8-9)
This verse highlights sincerity. The believers feed others not for fame, thanks, or recognition — but solely to please Allah. Feeding a fasting person at Iftar falls directly under this noble category of charity.
Another powerful reminder comes in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills.”
— (2:261)
If charity is multiplied 700 times in general, imagine its reward in Ramadan — and even more so when it supports an act of worship like fasting.
The Promise of Reward in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave glad tidings to those who provide Iftar.
He said:
“Whoever gives Iftar to a fasting person will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.”
— (Tirmidhi)
This Hadith is extraordinary. It means:
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You receive the full reward of fasting.
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The fasting person’s reward remains completely intact.
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Allah gives from His infinite bounty without decrease.
So even offering one date, a sip of water, or a small meal can earn you the reward of an entire fast.
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of you are those who feed others.”
— (Ahmad)
Ramadan is the perfect time to embody this Prophetic teaching.
Even a Small Iftar Counts
Many people think they must host grand feasts to earn reward. Islam removes this barrier.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Protect yourselves from the Hellfire even with half a date.”
— (Bukhari & Muslim)
This applies beautifully to Iftar. If you can offer only:
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A date
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Water
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Milk
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A simple meal
— it still carries immense reward when done sincerely.
Allah looks at the intention and sacrifice, not the size of the meal.
The Generosity of the Prophet ﷺ in Ramadan
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibreel met him.”
— (Bukhari)
The Prophet ﷺ would increase in charity, feeding, and helping others throughout Ramadan. Providing Iftar was part of this generosity.
He encouraged the companions to gather, share meals, and ensure no one remained hungry at sunset.
Inspiring Stories from the Sahabah
1. Abdullah ibn Umar (RA)
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) would never break his fast alone. If he had no poor person to share with, he would delay Iftar until he found someone.
On some days, he would give away his entire meal to the needy and sleep hungry — choosing the reward of feeding others over his own comfort.
This shows how deeply the companions valued the reward of giving Iftar.
2. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and His Family
A famous narration mentions that Ali (RA), Fatimah (RA), Hasan (RA), and Husayn (RA) once fasted and had very little food.
At Iftar time:
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A poor person came — they gave their food.
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Next day, an orphan came — they gave again.
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Third day, a captive came — they gave again.
They broke their fast only with water.
It is regarding such sacrifice that verses in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9) were revealed, praising those who feed others for Allah’s sake.
3. Sa’d ibn Ubadah (RA)
Sa’d ibn Ubadah (RA) was known for hosting large numbers of fasting people daily. His home was like a public kitchen in Ramadan.
He considered it an honor that people broke their fast under his roof.
Social Impact of Giving Iftar
Providing Iftar is not only spiritually rewarding but socially transformative.
1. Strengthens Brotherhood
Sharing food builds love, unity, and compassion within the Ummah.
2. Supports the Poor
Many struggling families rely on Ramadan food distributions.
3. Revives Community Spirit
Mosques and homes become centers of mercy and togetherness.
4. Encourages Charity Habits
Ramadan giving often inspires year-round generosity.
Modern Ways to Earn Iftar Reward
You don’t need wealth — only willingness.
Here are practical ways today:
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Sponsor Iftar in a mosque.
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Feed laborers or workers.
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Send meals to needy families.
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Contribute to community Iftar funds.
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Offer dates and water at prayer areas.
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Arrange street Iftar stalls.
Even digital donations to verified charities count.
The Hidden Rewards You May Not See
When you give Iftar, you earn rewards beyond what you imagine:
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Reward of fasting.
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Reward of charity.
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Reward of easing hardship.
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Duas of the fasting person.
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Angels’ prayers for you.
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Protection from Hellfire.
The fasting person’s dua at Iftar is accepted — and they may pray for the one who fed them.
A Deed That Continues Multiplying
Feeding one person = reward of one fast.
Feed ten = reward of ten fasts.
Feed hundreds = unimaginable reward.
And if those people continue doing good deeds, you share in the chain of reward — a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) in spirit.
Lessons for Ramadan Day 12
As we reach the middle phase of Ramadan, energy may dip — but rewards remain vast.
Day 12 is a reminder to:
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Increase generosity.
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Look for fasting people to feed.
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Share meals, not just messages.
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Turn homes into places of barakah.
Ask yourself daily:
“Whose fast can I help complete today?”
Conclusion
Feeding a fasting person at Iftar is one of the easiest yet most rewarding deeds in Ramadan. It requires no scholarship, no status, no large wealth — only sincerity and compassion.
The Qur’an praises those who feed others for Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ promised equal reward to the one who provides Iftar.
The Sahabah lived this teaching through sacrifice and love.
So on this Ramadan Day 12, make the intention:
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Feed at least one fasting person.
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Share what you have.
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Seek Allah’s pleasure alone.
Because sometimes, a single date given sincerely may weigh heavier on the scale than mountains of deeds.
Dua:
May Allah accept our fasting, allow us to feed others, and grant us the multiplied rewards of Ramadan. Ameen.
