The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for breaking the Fast

The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for breaking the Fast

ALLAH The Exalted says:

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. ALLAH wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify ALLAH for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:185]

Ahadith

1. Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May ALLAH be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.'' [At-Tirmidhi].

2. Umm `Umarah Al-Ansariyah (May ALLAH be pleased with her) reported: Once the Prophet (PBUH) visited us and I served him some food. He (PBUH) asked me to eat. I replied that I was observing (optional) fast. He (PBUH) said, "When people eat by a person observing fast, the angels keep asking ALLAH's forgiveness for that person until they have had their fill.'' [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us the merits of the person who is himself observing Saum but serves meals to others.

3. Anas (May ALLAH be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) came to visit Sa`d bin `Ubadah (May ALLAH be pleased with him) who presented bread and olive oil to him. The Prophet (PBUH) ate it and said, "The observers of fast have broken their fast with you (this is the literal translation, but the meaning is: `May ALLAH reward you for providing a fasting people with food to break their fast'); the pious people have eaten your food and the angels invoked blessings on you.'' [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: The word "Aftara'' is informative in nature, but it is used in the sense of a prayer. Thus, what it denotes is "May ALLAH give you the reward of one who arranges for the Iftar (breaking the Saum) of somebody." Thus, it induces one to hospitality according to his means.