What is the reward for feeding a fasting person?
You get the same reward as the person who fasted, without their reward being reduced at all. The Prophet ﷺ promised this, which is why Muslims love hosting iftars, sharing dates at the mosque and sponsoring meals for others in Ramadan.
The hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his, without anything being taken away from the fasting person's reward" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 807, graded hasan sahih).
So if you feed ten people at iftar, you could earn the reward of ten extra fasts, and none of your guests lose anything. It's one of the easiest ways to multiply your good deeds in Ramadan.
Feeding people is loved in Islam
When someone asked what the best deed in Islam is, the Prophet ﷺ said: "To feed people and to greet those you know and those you don't know" (Sahih al-Bukhari 12). He was the most generous of people, and most generous of all in Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 6). The Quran praises those who feed others for Allah's sake:
Does it have to be a full meal?
Scholars differ on how much counts. Some say any food that breaks the fast is enough, even a date or a glass of water, and a narration with that meaning is often quoted. Others say the full reward comes with a satisfying meal. Either way, give what you can. A box of dates at the mosque is good; a proper dinner is even better.
Easy ways to do it
- Host an iftar for neighbours, friends or new Muslims who are fasting alone.
- Bring food to the mosque or help with the community iftar.
- Sponsor iftars through a trusted charity that feeds fasting people abroad. See What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
- Feed a colleague who is fasting late at work.
- Invite non-Muslims too. You don't get the "fasting person" reward for them, but feeding anyone is charity and a great way to share Ramadan. See Can I invite non-Muslim friends to iftar?
Short on money? A few dates and some water still count. See Can I give charity if I'm broke?
- Feeding a fasting person earns a reward like their fast (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 807).
- The fasting person loses nothing of their own reward.
- Even a date or water may count; a full meal is better.
- Hosting, donating or sponsoring iftars all qualify.
People also ask
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Tell your teacher you're fasting with a short, friendly note at the start of Ramadan, and ask for small adjustments for PE, rest and prayer.
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