What is the ruling if one breaks his fast with some dates, for instance, while the iftar (meal with which one breaks his fast) is already served and all the family members are sitting around the table to eat, so one goes to the mosque for the Maghrib prayer and then comes back to have the meal? Which is better; to do as mentioned or to join the family meal and then pray together with them after having iftar?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

When the food is ready, it is better to eat first, particularly if one is hungry. After eating, one could go to the mosque for prayer if he is likely to catch the congregation. If one misses the congregation, then he should pray with his family.

Allaah Knows best.