Did you know that Suhoor is not just a pre-dawn meal but a source of strength and blessings during Ramadan? The Prophet ﷺ said: “Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” [Agreed upon]. Suhoor provides you with energy, keeps your body hydrated, and helps you endure fasting with ease.
At Sabil Al Quran, we reveal the great benefits of Ramadan Sahur, what the Prophet ﷺ ate for Suhoor, and the best foods to ensure a day full of energy and worship. Stay with us to learn how to make your Suhoor balanced and nutritious for a healthy and easy fast!
What is Suhoor?
Ramadan sahur is the meal eaten before dawn to prepare for a day of fasting.
Choosing nutritious foods that provide energy throughout the day makes Suhoor an essential part of a fasting person’s routine.
It may be tempting to skip Suhoor and sleep longer, especially if you wake up early for work, but having Suhoor helps you feel more energized than extra sleep.
What Did the Prophet Eat for Suhoor?
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, holds great spiritual and practical significance in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to have suhoor, stating, “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” This meal provides strength for fasting and offers an opportunity to engage in worship during a blessed time.
When it came to suhoor, the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred simple and natural foods. One of his most recommended suhoor items was dates, as he said, “The most excellent pre-fasting meal of the believer is dates.” However, his meals were not limited to dates alone. He would eat whatever was available, including bread, meat, olive oil, honey, and milk. His approach to suhoor emphasized moderation and simplicity, ensuring nourishment without overindulgence.
By following the Prophet’s example, we can experience the physical and spiritual benefits of suhoor, making our fasting easier while staying mindful of the blessings in this important meal.
When Does Suhoor End?
Most scholars agree that suhoor lasts until the first light of dawn appears, marking the start of Fajr time. This means that suhoor should be completed before the call to Fajr prayer.
The Quran describes the beginning of fasting as the moment when the light of dawn becomes distinguishable from the darkness of night, indicating the precise time to stop eating.
Benefits of Suhoor in Ramadan
Suhoor is not just a meal; it is a blessed act of worship that carries numerous spiritual and physical benefits. Here are some Importance Of having suhoor:
- Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and reviving this blessed act of worship.
- Differentiating from the People of the Book, as they do not have suhoor.
- Strengthening the body for fasting and worship, helping you stay active throughout the day.
- Reducing the negative effects of hunger, such as stress and anger.
- An opportunity for charity by offering suhoor to others.
- Making use of a blessed time for remembrance and supplication, as Allah descends in the last third of the night to answer prayers.
One of the greatest rewards of suhoor is that Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who have suhoor, as mentioned in the hadith:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send prayers upon those who have suhoor.”
This means that Allah mentions the person in the highest gatherings, and the angels seek forgiveness for them. It is a beautiful blessing that no one should miss!
Best Foods for Suhoor to Provide Long-Lasting Energy
Choosing the right foods for suhoor helps maintain energy and hydration throughout the fasting day. Here are some ideal options:
- Complex carbohydrates such as oats and whole wheat bread, which provide a gradual release of energy.
- Proteins like eggs, yogurt, and cheese, which help keep you full for longer.
- Fruits and vegetables such as dates, bananas, and cucumbers, which supply essential vitamins and help with hydration.
- Healthy beverages like water, milk, and natural juices, to prevent dehydration and replenish fluids.
Foods to Avoid at Suhoor and Why?
- Sugary foods cause a rapid energy spike followed by a sharp drop, leading to fatigue.
- Salty foods increase thirst throughout the day.
- Dehydrating beverages such as excessive coffee and tea, which lead to fluid loss from the body.
Tips for a Healthy Suhoor
- Eat suhoor as late as possible before Fajr to maintain energy.
- Ensure a balanced meal by including protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Plan your meal in advance to avoid last-minute decisions and fatigue.
In Conclusion, Ramadan sahur is a golden opportunity to start your fasting day with energy and vitality. It is a blessed Sunnah that brings great benefits to both body and soul. By choosing the right foods and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, a fasting person can make the most of this pre-dawn meal. Be sure to have a balanced and nutritious suhoor and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of this blessed time.
FAQ about Ramadan sahur
Why is Suhoor important during Ramadan?
It provides strength and energy: Suhoor serves as the body’s main fuel source throughout the day in Ramadan, particularly when it includes complex carbohydrates that release energy gradually. This meal eases fasting, making it more manageable while also helping to prevent nausea and headaches by maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Can Muslims fast without suhoor?
Suhoor is not an obligatory part of fasting:
While suhoor is not a mandatory requirement for fasting, it is highly recommended for those who wish to observe their fast in the best way possible. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) allows us to enhance our fasting experience and gain additional blessings.
What does Allah say about suhoor?
Suhoor is a meal filled with blessings, and it should not be skipped, even if it is just a sip of water. Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who partake in suhoor.