What is Suhoor? Its importance in fasting

What is Suhoor? Its Importance in Fasting

Suhoor (السحور) is the pre-dawn meal eaten before starting the daily fast in Ramadan and other voluntary fasts. It is a highly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is considered a meal full of blessings (barakah). More than just a source of physical nourishment, Suhoor provides spiritual benefits and ensures that a fasting person has the necessary energy and hydration to endure long hours of fasting.

The Quran and Hadith highlight the importance of Suhoor, distinguishing Islamic fasting from the fasting practices of other religions. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged believers to never skip Suhoor, as it brings great rewards from Allah ﷻ. He also advised eating dates and drinking water as part of this meal, emphasizing moderation and balance in food choices.

Suhoor is also a special time for du’a (supplication) and seeking forgiveness, as it occurs during the last third of the night, a time when Allah’s mercy descends. By following the Sunnah of Suhoor, one can enhance their fasting experience, gain physical strength, and receive spiritual rewards.

This article explores the significance, benefits, and Sunnah practices of Suhoor, with Quranic and Hadith references in both Arabic and English to provide a deeper understanding of its virtues.

What is Suhoor?

Suhoor (السحور) is the pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr (dawn prayer) by Muslims who intend to fast. It is an essential part of Islamic fasting, as it provides physical nourishment and carries immense spiritual rewards. Suhoor is not obligatory, but it is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The word “Suhoor” is derived from “سَحَرَ” (sahara), meaning the last part of the night before dawn. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of this meal, calling it a source of barakah (blessings):

النبي ﷺ قال: «تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً»

“Eat Suhoor, for indeed there is blessing (barakah) in it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095)

Suhoor also differentiates Islamic fasting from the fasting practices of other religious traditions. The Prophet ﷺ said:

«فَصْلُ مَا بَيْنَ صِيَامِنَا وَصِيَامِ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أَكْلَةُ السَّحَرِ»

“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the eating of Suhoor.”
(Sahih Muslim 1096)

By following this Sunnah, a Muslim gains strength for fasting, receives Allah’s blessings, and benefits from the spiritual rewards associated with this meal.

The Importance of Suhoor in Islam

Suhoor is a Blessed Meal (Barakah)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that Suhoor is a meal full of blessings (barakah) and advised Muslims not to skip it:

النبي ﷺ قال: «تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً»

“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing (barakah).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095)

This barakah can be in different forms:

• Physical strength for fasting.
• Spiritual rewards for following the Sunnah.
• Increased energy and endurance.

Suhoor Differentiates the Muslim Fast from Others

Islam places special importance on Suhoor, making it distinct from the fasting of other religions. The Prophet ﷺ said:

النبي ﷺ قال: «فَصْلُ مَا بَيْنَ صِيَامِنَا وَصِيَامِ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أَكْلَةُ السَّحَرِ»

“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the eating of Suhoor.”
(Sahih Muslim 1096)

This shows that Suhoor is a unique part of Islamic fasting and should not be neglected.

Suhoor Strengthens the Fasting Person

Fasting for long hours without Suhoor can make a person weak and tired. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its importance for maintaining energy:

النبي ﷺ قال: «نِعْمَ سَحُورُ الْمُؤْمِنِ التَّمْرُ»

“The best Suhoor for the believer is dates.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2345, Hasan)

Dates are a superfood, providing quick energy and essential nutrients for fasting.

Health Benefits of Suhoor

Suhoor is not only a spiritually blessed meal but also has significant health benefits that support the body during fasting. Eating Suhoor helps maintain energy levels, hydration, and overall well-being, making it an essential part of a healthy fast.

Provides Sustained Energy

Suhoor supplies the body with essential carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, ensuring that a person remains energized throughout the day. Foods like whole grains, eggs, dairy, and fruits help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent early fatigue.

Prevents Dehydration

Drinking water, milk, or fresh juices during Suhoor helps the body stay hydrated, reducing the risk of headaches, dizziness, and weakness caused by dehydration. Hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and yogurt also help retain moisture in the body.

Reduces Hunger and Cravings

A balanced Suhoor, rich in fiber and protein, slows digestion and keeps one full for longer, reducing the urge to overeat at Iftar. Oats, bananas, and nuts are great options for maintaining satiety.

Supports Metabolism

Skipping Suhoor can slow down metabolism and lead to low energy levels. Eating a proper meal keeps the body’s metabolism active, helping with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Prevents Muscle Loss

During fasting, the body may break down muscle for energy. Protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and dairy help preserve muscle mass and keep the body strong.

By choosing nutritious and hydrating foods at Suhoor, one can enjoy a healthy and energetic fasting experience while reaping its spiritual rewards.

The Sunnah Way of Eating Suhoor

To maximize the blessings and benefits, one should follow the Sunnah practices of Suhoor:

Delaying Suhoor Until Just Before Fajr

The best time for Suhoor is as close to Fajr as possible without delaying too much.

النبي ﷺ قال: «إِنَّا مَعْشَرَ الأَنْبِيَاءِ نُؤْمَرُ بِتَأْخِيرِ سَحُورِنَا وَتَعْجِيلِ فِطْرِنَا»

“We, the Prophets, have been commanded to delay our Suhoor and hasten our Iftar.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1693, Hasan)

Eating Dates and Drinking Water

As mentioned earlier, the Prophet ﷺ recommended eating dates for Suhoor due to their high energy and nutrient content. Water is also essential to stay hydrated.

Making Du’a at Suhoor

Suhoor is a blessed time, and du’as (supplications) made during this time are accepted. The last third of the night is also a time when Allah’s mercy descends:

النبي ﷺ قال: «يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَىٰ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَىٰ ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ، فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟»

“Our Lord, the Blessed and Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains and says: Who is calling upon Me, so that I may answer him?”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758)

This makes Suhoor an ideal time for prayer, seeking forgiveness, and making du’a.

Recommended Foods for Suhoor

Eating the right foods at Suhoor ensures sustained energy, hydration, and overall well-being during fasting. A well-balanced Suhoor should include complex carbohydrates, healthy proteins, good fats, and plenty of fluids to keep the body nourished throughout the day.

Dates (تمر)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended eating dates, as they provide natural sugars, fiber, and essential minerals for energy.

النبي ﷺ قال: «نِعْمَ سَحُورُ الْمُؤْمِنِ التَّمْرُ»

“The best Suhoor for the believer is dates.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2345, Hasan)

Whole Grains (Bread, Oats, Rice)

• Whole grains release energy slowly, preventing hunger for longer periods.
• Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread are excellent choices.

Proteins (Eggs, Meat, Dairy, Nuts)

• Eggs, chicken, yogurt, and cheese provide protein to preserve muscle mass.
• Almonds and walnuts supply healthy fats and keep the body full.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Bananas, apples, and berries offer fiber, vitamins, and hydration.
• Cucumbers and watermelon help keep the body hydrated.

Water and Milk

• Drinking plenty of water at Suhoor prevents dehydration.
• Milk and yogurt provide essential nutrients and keep digestion smooth.

Foods to Avoid

• Salty and spicy foods (cause thirst).
• Sugary foods (lead to energy crashes).
• Fried foods (cause bloating and discomfort).

Choosing nutrient-dense and hydrating foods at Suhoor helps in maintaining energy and endurance throughout the fasting day.

Conclusion

Suhoor is much more than just a pre-dawn meal; it is a divinely blessed and highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It provides both spiritual and physical benefits, ensuring that a fasting person can maintain energy, hydration, and endurance throughout the day. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of Suhoor, calling it a meal of barakah (blessings) and advising Muslims to never neglect it.

By following the Sunnah of Suhoor, such as delaying it until just before Fajr, eating dates, drinking water, and making du’a, a believer can maximize the rewards and benefits of fasting. The last third of the night, during which Suhoor takes place, is also a time when Allah’s mercy descends, making it an excellent opportunity for seeking forgiveness and making supplications.

Choosing healthy and nutritious foods such as dates, fruits, whole grains, dairy, and water helps in maintaining good health and preventing fatigue during fasting. Avoiding excessively salty, sugary, and fried foods ensures a comfortable and fulfilling fast.

Ultimately, Suhoor is a gift from Allah ﷻ, making fasting easier while also increasing our spiritual connection with Him. May we always benefit from its blessings and follow the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ in our fasting. Ameen.