The blessings of Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) extend far beyond simple physical nourishment during Ramadan and other days of Islamic fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highly encouraged Muslims to wake up for this meal, as it is deeply rooted in spiritual rewards, divine mercy, and the Prophetic Sunnah.

The Prophetic Sunnah and the Blessings of Suhoor

The Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently urged his companions to partake in the pre-dawn meal, highlighting its divine benefits for every fasting Muslim.

Narrated Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Take Suhoor, for indeed, in Suhoor there is a blessing.”(Agreed upon).

Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) beautifully referred to it as the “blessed morning meal” because it physically strengthens the fasting person against the inevitable hardships of fasting from dawn until sunset.

Narrated Al-Irbad bin Sariyah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) invited me to Suhoor during the month of Ramadan and said: “Come to the blessed morning meal.”(Reported by Abu Dawud with an authentic chain).

Scholarly Insights: Why is the Pre-Dawn Meal So Important?

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that while eating the pre-dawn meal is not strictly obligatory, it is a highly recommended Sunnah that should never be neglected.

Physical Strength for Fasting: Imam Al-Khattabi explains that the Prophet called it a “morning meal” (Ghada’) because the fasting person gains daytime strength from it, making it function just like an early breakfast. The Arabs historically used this term to describe someone going out early in the morning to fulfill their needs. This essential nourishment reduces the fatigue of fasting, encouraging Muslims to fast more frequently because the physical hardship is significantly lightened. This is the correct and most relied-upon understanding of its primary meaning.

Spiritual Awakening and Divine Mercy: Imam Al-Nawawi notes that the true blessing of the pre-dawn meal goes far beyond the food itself. It requires waking up during the most blessed time of the night—a sacred period when divine mercy descends, supplications (Du’a) are answered, and forgiveness is readily granted by Allah. It provides an ideal opportunity for the believer to perform ablution, engage in night prayers (Tahajjud), remember Allah (Dhikr), and prepare spiritually until the dawn breaks. (Al-Nawawi’s Explanation of Sahih Muslim 7/206).

Linguistic Distinction: Sahoor vs. Suhoor

In the Arabic language, there is a subtle but profound distinction regarding this word:

  • Sahoor (with a short ‘a’ sound) refers to the actual food and drink being consumed.
  • Suhoor (with a short ‘u’ sound) refers to the physical action of waking up and eating.

This distinction is the most well-known among linguists. The “blessing” mentioned in the Hadith can be beautifully attributed to both the action and the food together. This is not a matter of forcing a single word to hold two entirely different meanings; rather, it is a metaphorical richness in the Arabic language. Therefore, the blessing exists both in the food provided by Allah and in the obedient act of waking up to eat it.

A Distinguishing Islamic Practice

Another profound wisdom behind the recommendation of this meal is to distinguish Islamic fasting from the fasting observed by the People of the Book, who traditionally refrain from eating a pre-dawn meal. Maintaining this distinction is one of the key aspects that brings an increase in otherworldly rewards for the Muslim believer. (Ihkam Al-Ahkam Sharh Umdat Al-Ahkam 1/269).

?Following the Sunnah: Why We Eat Dates

When planning your pre-dawn meal, incorporating dates is one of the absolute best ways to follow the Prophetic Sunnah and gain instant, sustained energy for the day ahead.

Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “How excellent are dates as the believer’s Suhoor.”(Reported by Abu Dawud with a good chain).

Eating dates for the pre-dawn meal carries an immense blessing and abundant heavenly reward. Therefore, one should actively prioritize them for this meal, just as they do for breaking the fast (Iftar) at sunset. If fresh, ripe dates (Rutab) are in season, they are considered superior; otherwise, regular dried dates remain an excellent and highly blessed alternative. (Mishkat Al-Masabih 6/949).

Divine Rewards: Allah and His Angels Send Blessings

Perhaps the absolute greatest spiritual benefit of the pre-dawn meal is the overwhelming divine mercy directly associated with it.

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Eating Suhoor is a blessing, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a sip of water, for Allah Almighty and His angels send blessings upon those who take Suhoor.”(Reported by Ahmad with an authentic chain).

Who receives this profound blessing? This immense reward is specifically for those who wake up to eat or drink with the sincere intention of gaining physical strength for their fast. According to Islamic scholars, this dedicated practice helps discipline the stomach’s desires and subdues worldly appetites. Consequently, this leads to the deep purification of the believer’s heart, allowing pure spirituality to dominate over physical urges. Ultimately, this elevated spiritual state draws the believer much closer to the Lord, the Exalted. For all these reasons, the recommendation to faithfully observe the pre-dawn meal is heavily emphasized in Islam. (Fayd al-Qadir 2/342).

By Al-Sayyid Ahmed Ahmed Sahlul