Virtues of Iftar and Sehri

 
Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar are two very important things related to the blessed month of Ramadan. Sehri and Iftar are two vital constituents of Ramadan. Fasting begins with Sehri and ends with Iftar. There are certain rules and special rewards for Sehri and Iftar. Allah (SWT) has promulgated these two rules in order to meet the hunger before the beginning and the end of fasting. Followers of previous Prophets used to delay breaking of fast (Iftar). As a result, they were deprived of the manifold benefits and rewards of Iftar. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged us not to delay in Iftar so that his 'ummah' is not deprived of its benefits and virtues.
There are numerous Hadiths in respect of feeding other fast observer or making them participate on these two occasions. Like Sehri, the moments before Iftar are highly important. At this time, the supplication is accepted by Allah (SWT). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "He, who fasts, has two joys: A joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord." In another narration Allah's Apostle said, "One who helps another fasting person in breaking his fast in the month of Ramadan, his/her act shall be a means of salvation from the torments of hell and s/he shall receive the same rewards of keeping fast for one day. However, the rewards of the fasting person shall not be decreased in the slightest." (Bukhari and Muslim)