Health Benefits of Breaking Fast With Water and the Recommended Intake

Guidelines for the iftar (breaking the fast) menu are clearly mentioned in a hadith narrated by the Companion, Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him).

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُفْطِرُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ عَلَى رُطَبَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَتُمَيْرَاتٌ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تُمَيْرَاتٌ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ

Narrated by Anas bin Malik, he said:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to break his fast before performing the Maghrib prayer with ruthab (fresh dates). If ruthab were not available, he would break his fast with tamr (dried dates), and if tamr were not available, he would drink a sip of water.” (Reported by Abu Dawud No. 2356, Ad-Daruquthni No. 240, and Al-Hakim No. 1576)

In a previous article titled “Health Benefits of Eating Dates and the Recommended Amount,” the practice of breaking the fast with dates has already been discussed.

This time, the discussion focuses on the benefits of beginning iftar by drinking water, a practice carried out by the Prophet (peace be upon him) when dates were not available.

During fasting, the body does not receive food or drink for around 12 hours or more. Under these conditions, body fluids naturally decrease through sweating, breathing, and daily activities. If they are not replenished immediately at iftar, dehydration can cause the body to feel weak, dizzy, and have difficulty concentrating. Therefore, drinking water when breaking the fast is a simple yet very important step to maintain the body’s balance.

During fasting, the body loses fluids without being able to replace them immediately. Drinking water at iftar helps restore the body’s reduced fluid levels. With sufficient hydration, the body’s organs can function normally again and the risk of dehydration can be minimized.

Water plays an important role in improving blood circulation and helping distribute oxygen throughout the body. When the body becomes rehydrated after iftar, the fatigue experienced during fasting gradually decreases, making the body feel more refreshed and ready to resume activities.

Starting iftar with water helps the digestive system adapt before receiving heavier foods. Water helps soften food and supports bowel movement, making digestion more comfortable and reducing the risk of problems such as bloating or constipation.

Water plays an essential role in keeping body temperature stable. During fasting, especially in hot weather, the body needs sufficient fluids so that it does not tire easily and can continue functioning properly.

Drinking enough water helps keep the skin hydrated so it does not become dry during fasting. In addition, water helps the kidneys filter waste and toxins from the body, ensuring that vital organs remain healthy.

To properly meet the body’s fluid needs, water should be consumed gradually rather than all at once in large amounts. A commonly recommended pattern is the 2–4–2 method, which includes:

•Two glasses of water at iftar to help the body readjust after a full day without drinking.

•Four glasses of water between iftar and before bedtime, consumed gradually so the body can absorb fluids optimally.

•Two glasses of water at suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to prepare the body for the next day of fasting.

Therefore, starting today, make drinking water a healthy habit for the well-being of our bodies.[]