Should break fast or join maghrib jama‘ah first?

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Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu, Respected Mufti Sahab, I am currently keeping a make-up fast (Qada) of Ramadan. At the time of Maghrib, I usually feel very hungry and weak. In our local mosque, the Azan is given and the Jama’at for Maghrib prayer starts almost immediately. Because of this, it is not possible for me to eat iftar at home and then reach the mosque in time for the congregational prayer. In this situation, what is better according to Shariah? To go to the mosque without eating anything (in a very hungry state) and pray Maghrib in Jama’at. OR To break the fast at home then eat properly, pray Maghrib at home? Please guide me which one has priority in Shariah. Jazakallahu Khairan.

Mufti Tosif Qasmi · Accepted Answer

Walekumussalam warahmatullahi wabaraktuh,

In the situation described, considering the great virtue of performing the prayer in congregation, the preferable course is to break the fast immediately at the time of Maghrib with a date, some water, or a light snack, and then proceed to the mosque to perform the Maghrib prayer in Jama‘ah. After the prayer, one may return and eat properly and comfortably.

However, if the hunger and weakness are so intense that they seriously affect one's concentration and devotion in prayer, then it is permissible to eat first and perform the prayer afterward, even if the congregational prayer is missed.

Therefore, based on the circumstances you have described, priority should be given to breaking the fast briefly and then trying to join the congregation. In this way, one fulfills the Sunnah of hastening the iftar and also attains the virtue of praying in Jama‘ah.

Should break fast or join maghrib jama‘ah first?

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