The Blessed Meal Before Dawn
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal taken before the fast begins at Fajr (dawn), is not only a physical requirement, it is an act of worship and a source of divine blessing. It gives you the power to keep fasting and the rewards and mercy of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of Suhoor, saying:
“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095)
The Meaning and Religious Significance of Suhoor
What is Suhoor?
Suhoorالسحور is derived from the Arabic root “S-H-R”سحر which means to eat the last food before dawn. In Islamic terms, Suhoor is a meal taken before Fajr in Ramadan so as to make for fasting.
Suhoor is blessed like no other meal, and it sets the Islamic fast apart from the fasting of other religions. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said:
“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating Suhoor.”
(Sahih Muslim 1096)
This means Suhoor is more than a meal: It is a sign of the Islamic way of fasting, full of spiritual and physical benefits.
The Command to Eat Suhoor
Suhoor is not obligatory, however, it is an emphasized Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic tradition). The Prophetﷺ urged the believers to offer it saying:
“Suhoor is a blessed meal, so do not abandon it, even if you take only a sip of water. For indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who eat Suhoor.”
(Musnad Ahmad 11086)
There are three key takeaways from this hadith:
- Suhoor is a source of blessings from Heaven.
- Even a few drops, such as the size of water, is enough to complete the Sunnah.
- It is said that angels pray for someone who eats Suhoor, and it has a spiritual reward.
Therefore, passing Suhoor without a purpose will deprive you of a major reward from Allah.
The Physical and Spiritual Benefits of Suhoor
1. Suhoor Provides Strength for the Day
Fasting for many hours, especially during summer months, can be taxing physically. Suhoor helps by:
- Avoiding Early Hunger/ Fatigue – A proper Suhoor maintains energy levels for the day.
- Staying Hydrated — consuming plenty of water at Suhoor helps reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Revving The Metabolism — One of the key functions of Suhoor is ensuring that the body does not go into starvation mode, which causes muscle breakdown.
Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best Suhoor for a believer is dates.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2345)
Dates are loaded with natural sugars, fibre, and nutrients, so they are one of the best foods to consume in Suhoor.
2. Suhoor Brings Barakah (Blessings) from Allah
Within Islamic teachings, the idea of Barakah (blessing) is of great importance. Our Prophet ﷺ termed Suhoor a “Blessed Meal”, denoting that there’s a benefit which is psychological, emotional and beyond human comprehension.
The Barakah of Suhoor comes in several forms:
- Energy for worship – It helps someone do their daily prayers and acts of ibadah (worship) without difficulty.
- Greater patience and perseverance – The body that is fed properly provides the mind with the discipline it needs to endure, thus making believers determined.
- The hunger absence as a segment of energetic lifestyle — Going without Suhoor may affect daytime activity, resulting in dizziness, exhaustion, and the inability to engage in normal pursuits.
3. Suhoor Helps in Avoiding the Fast of the Hypocrites
The Prophet ﷺ warned against fasting continuously without Suhoor or Iftar (breaking the fast), saying:
“Do not observe continuous fasting (wisal).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1965)
So skipping the Suhoor causes hardship, your fast becomes a burden. The balance and moderation that Islam encourages ensures that fasting is a means of purification, not self-harm.
4. Suhoor Allows Time for Worship Before Fajr
Suhoor is during the last third of the night, which is also the time of Tahajjud, a time when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness come closest to His servants.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says: ‘Who is calling upon Me, so that I may respond? Who is asking Me, so that I may give? Who is seeking forgiveness, so that I may forgive?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)
That’s why, Suhoor is not only a meal, it is a chance to make dua and seek forgiveness and pray extra prayers before Fajr.
What to Eat for Suhoor? Sunnah and Healthy Foods?
The best Suhoor makes you last all through the day, hydrated and with ample energy, nutrients. The Prophetﷺ recommended:
- Water – Necessary for hydration, especially in warm climates.
- Oats & Whole Grains – Help provide slow-releasing energy for the day.
- Fruits & Vegetables — Full of vitamins and fibre.
- Yogurt & Dairy — Good for digestion and protein.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best Suhoor is dates.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2345)
Avoid salty, fried, and sugary foods, which can cause dehydration and energy crashes.
The Best Time for Suhoor
Suhoor should be closer to Fajr without crossing beyond the time allowed, increase. The Prophet ﷺ used to delay Suhoor and thus it became a Sunnah to eat just before dawn.
Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) narrated:
“We ate Suhoor with the Prophet (ﷺ), then he stood for prayer.” I asked, “How long was the time between Suhoor and Fajr?” He replied, “The time it takes to recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1921, Sahih Muslim 1097)
Not eating Suhoor too early and delaying it as close to Fajr if possible is most beneficial.
Conclusion: The Key to a Successful Fast
Suhoor is not just a meal eaten before dawn; it is a blessed chance to gain strength, spiritual rewards and Allah’s mercy. It ensures:
- Energy levels during the fast.
- Volunteering for local charities and community programs.
- Preventing excessive hardship.
Suhoor is a huge blessing and missing it also makes fasting in the day extra hard. So as we enter into Ramadan, let us bring back the Sunnah of Suhoor for our fasts to not only be valid, but to be ones of Barakah and divine acceptance.
“O Allah, bless our Suhoor, strengthen us in our fasting, and accept it from us, O Most Merciful.”
Aameen.
