Prominent scholar Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani, who served as the Grand Imam in Mecca after Syekh Ahmad Khatib Al-Minangkabawi, suggested breaking fast with foods or drinks of similar sweetness level to dates in regions where date palms don’t grow. He once taught his students in Mecca to break their fasts with sweet rambutan fruit as a substitute for dates. This simple example showcases the application of hadiths according to the demographics of different regions.
The Prophet as a role model truly embodied gratitude and humility. He engaged in worship abundantly but consumed little food and sleep. In fact, there were times he ate nothing but dates and water.
Compare that to our way of breaking fast: indulging in food and sleep, yet lacking in worship. Tarawih prayers are full only on the first night, then gradually decline. Yes, the more days pass, the more “progress” there is until only the Imam, the Tarawih caller, and a couple of rows of worshippers remain. Not to mention the iftar gatherings we engage in, be it with family, relatives, or colleagues, often leading us to miss congregational Maghrib prayers. Truly, our fasting model is lamentable.
Not a Month of Retribution
It’s crucial for us not to indulge excessively when breaking fast. If you wish to buy more, then allocate it for charity to relatives, neighbors, or the mosque. Otherwise, break your fast with just enough snacks. This is undoubtedly better, if we know it.
Excessive indulgence during iftar will only weaken the body, lead to laziness in worship, drowsiness, and various illnesses. Finally, fasting fundamentally teaches us simplicity, not retribution.