It is a Sunnah to break the fast immediately after sunset. It is preferable to break the fast quickly and not delay it. Abu Huraira (RA) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that Allah said: "The one who hastens to break the fast is most beloved to Me." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Khuzayma, Ibn Hibban)
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (RA) used to break his fast as soon as the sun set. (Bukhari) Abu Huraira (RA) also narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The religion will remain victorious as long as people hasten to break their fast, for the Jews and the Christians delay their iftar." (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah)
Sahl ibn Sa'd narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "My ummah will continue to be upon my Sunnah regarding iftar as long as they do not wait for the stars to appear (i.e., they break their fast as soon as the sun sets)." (Ibn Hibban) Sahl ibn Sa'd also narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "As long as people hasten to break their fast, they will remain in goodness." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Ya'li bin Surarah narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah loves three things: 1. Breaking the fast quickly, 2. Eating suhoor late, and 3. Standing in prayer with one hand over the other." (Tabarani)
Etiquette of Iftar:
- Break the fast as soon as the sun sets.
- Break the fast with half-ripened dates, ripe dates, or water.
- Perform the Maghrib prayer promptly without delay.
After the Maghrib prayer, continue to eat if needed, but avoid delaying the prayer for the sake of eating.