Suhor - The Pre-Dawn Meal
Blessings of Suhor
It is recommended for Muslims to eat a pre-dawn meal (called Zuhoor in
Arabic) each day before the fast begins. The Prophet, may the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him, is reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased
with him) to have said, "Eat a pre-dawn meal for there are blessings in
it." (Bukhari and Muslim). Other traditions report the Prophet (peace be
upon him) as saying, "You should eat [the] pre-dawn meal for it is a
blessed nourishment" (an-Nasa'i), and "The pre-dawn meal is blessed
so do not neglect it even if you only take a sip of water. Verily, Allah and
His angels pray for those who have pre-dawn meals." (Ahmad)
The pre-dawn meal provides energy and other benefits to the fasting Muslim during the day so it makes good sense to plan on getting up early to have Suhoor. Of course this is better accomplished if you also sleep early so try to think about how you will arrange your schedule once Ramadan begins. If you typically have trouble waking up for the fajr (dawn) prayer, a new schedule in Ramadan may be the motivation you need to change your habits for the better even after Ramadan has ended. Ramadan is a great opportunity that comes once a year to renew your relationship and commitment to Allah
If you are accustomed to drinking tea or coffee in the morning or during the day, be aware that caffeine withdrawal can cause severe headaches while you are fasting. Take some time before Ramadan to wean yourself from caffeine (perhaps gradually) and decide whether it will be necessary to have any caffeine during the non-fasting hours in Ramadan. It may seem like a funny thing to worry about compared to the greatness of this Holy Month but many Muslims have experienced the phenomena of caffeine withdrawal and know to prepare themselves ahead of time to ensure they do not get sick from it.
Suhoor is distinctive of the Ummah of Muhammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam; `Amr Ibn al-`Aas reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book [Jews and Christians] is the taking of Suhoor". [Muslim] . There are blessings in Suhoor ...
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "Indeed Allah placed blessing in the Suhoor and in the weighing [of grain]". [Shirazi and al-Khateeb/ al-Jami`us-Sagheer; Hasan]
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat Suhoor, for there are blessings in it." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Salman also reported that the Prophet said: "Blessing is in three : The Jama`a [the congregation of the Muslims], The Thareed [a broth of (crumbled) bread and meat] and the Suhoor". [Tabarani and Abu Nu`aim; Hasan]
A companion said: "I entered upon the Prophet (S) and he was taking the Suhoor and he said: "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it". [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i; Sahih]. Abud-Dardaa' reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Come to the blessed morning meal (meaning the Suhoor)". [Ahmad, an-Nasa`i and Abu Dawood].
"Perhaps the greatest blessing of Suhoor is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala (SWT) [Most High and Free of all imperfection], covers the people eating Suhoor with His forgiveness and send His Mercy upon them. The angels ask for forgiveness for them and supplicate to Allah to pardon them, so that they may be granted freedom from the Fire by the Most Merciful in the month of the Qur'an
Abu Said al-Khudri said: The Prophet (S) said: "The Suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a gulp of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take Zuhoor". [Ahmad and Ibn Abi Shaibah]
These reports from the Prophet (S) leave no room for the believer to miss Suhoor. Therefore let us take it upon us to never miss it.
The Time For Zuhoor.
The time for Zuhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn a possible). The Prophet (S) said: "Hasten the breaking of the fast and delay the Zuhoor". [Sahih al-Jami`]
Zaid ibn Thabit reported: "We ate Suhoor with the Messenger of Allah and then we got up for the prayer. He was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He responded: '[The time it would take to recite] fifty ayat."' [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Amr ibn Maimun adds: "The companions of Muhammad (S), would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Zuhoor." [al-Baihaqi, Abdur-Razzaq and al-Haithami; Sahih]
The Prophet (S) said: "We, the Prophets, have been ordered to hasten breaking the fast, delay the Zuhoor, and to put our right hand on the left one in prayer". [Sahih al-Jami`]
What Would Fulfill Eating Zuhoor?
Eating Suhoor would be fulfilled by eating a moderate quantity of food, or even just by drinking a sip of water as mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Said al-Khudri. However, the best of Zuhoor is eating dates since the Prophet (S) said: "How excellent are dates as the believer's Zuhoor". [Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban and al-Baihaqee; Sahih]
The physical body is a gift from God; it is given to humans as an amanah (trust) to
take care of for a fixed period. How much food is consumed and the choice of food
has a direct impact on the physical and spiritual well-being of the person. The food
that one consumes affects one’s behaviour and personality. Wholesome, natural
and healthy food assists the development of a good personality.
Chapter 20 verse 89 of the Qur’an states “eat of the good and wholesome
things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein”.
Over-eating has long been frowned upon in Islam as it is thought to increase worldly
appetites and cause sluggishness, thereby ‘dulling’ the soul, hampering spiritual growth and increase physical ailments.
The blessed Prophet said: “The children of Adam fill no vessel worse than their
stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat
more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air”.
(Sunan al-Tirmidhî)
Health is the key to happiness and what we consume directly affects our health.
Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The
blessed Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses
afflict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up healthy living
lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a
balance between material and spiritual needs.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a
balanced and healthy lifestyle in one’s life. Through fasting one begins to learn
how to manage one’s eating habits, how to exercises control and discipline. This
month requires one to give the stomach a break and by doing so one is able to
break down and expel the accumulated toxins from the body.
Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit
The fasts of Ramadan can improve a person’s health but they can just as easily
worsen it! The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed
in the non-fasting hours. To fully benefit from fasting a person should spare a
great deal of thought to the type and quantity of food they will indulge in through
the blessed month. As mentioned in the section on spirituality, overeating can,
not only harm the body, but it is thought to also interfere with a person’s spiritual
growth during the month. A diet that has less than a normal amount of food but
is sufficiently balanced will keep a person healthy and active during the month of
Ramadan. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal
everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups as shown in
the model.
Fruit and vegetables
Bread, other cereals and potatoes
Milk and dairy foods
Meat, fish and other protein alternatives
Foods containing good fats
Foods containing natural sugars (honey, dates, fruit)
FOODS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL
Complex Carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during
the long hours of fasting. Complex carbohydrates are found in grains and seeds,
like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal fl our, basmati
rice, etc.
Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly and include bran, cereals, whole
wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, vegetables such as green
beans and almost all fruit including apricots, prunes, figs, etc.
Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain
refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, white flour, etc. as well as of course,
too much fatty foods (e.g. cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets).
It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in drinks such as tea,
coffee and Cola. (Caffeine is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through
urination). instead opt for herbal tea as a alternative it is high in antioxidants and low in caffeine.
Foods to avoid and Healthy/ Alternative foods
Deep fried foods
High sugar / high fat foods
Cooking methods to avoid:
Deep frying
Frying
Alternative cooking methods:
Shallow frying, usually there is very little difference in taste
Grilling or baking is healthier and helps retain the taste and original flavour of the food, especially chicken and fish.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal should be a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling
and provides enough energy for many hours. It is therefore particularly important
to include slowly-digesting foods in the suhoor.
Many of the foods which are mentioned and encouraged are in the Holy Qur’an
and the Sunnah also correspond to modern guidelines on a healthy diet and will
help to maintain balanced, healthy meals in Ramadan.
The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon
him) were: milk, dates, lamb/mutton and oats. Healthy foods mentioned in the
Holy Qur’an are fruit and vegetables such as olives, onions, cucumber, figs,
dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils. The encouragement of fi sh can
be seen in the fact that Islamic Law spares fish from any specific slaughter
requirements, making it easy to incorporate fish in a meal.
Tell us your favourite healthy Suhor recipe click here.
Take a look at some Suhor recipes submitted by other sisters click here.
The pre-dawn meal provides energy and other benefits to the fasting Muslim during the day so it makes good sense to plan on getting up early to have Suhoor. Of course this is better accomplished if you also sleep early so try to think about how you will arrange your schedule once Ramadan begins. If you typically have trouble waking up for the fajr (dawn) prayer, a new schedule in Ramadan may be the motivation you need to change your habits for the better even after Ramadan has ended. Ramadan is a great opportunity that comes once a year to renew your relationship and commitment to Allah
If you are accustomed to drinking tea or coffee in the morning or during the day, be aware that caffeine withdrawal can cause severe headaches while you are fasting. Take some time before Ramadan to wean yourself from caffeine (perhaps gradually) and decide whether it will be necessary to have any caffeine during the non-fasting hours in Ramadan. It may seem like a funny thing to worry about compared to the greatness of this Holy Month but many Muslims have experienced the phenomena of caffeine withdrawal and know to prepare themselves ahead of time to ensure they do not get sick from it.
Suhoor is distinctive of the Ummah of Muhammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam; `Amr Ibn al-`Aas reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book [Jews and Christians] is the taking of Suhoor". [Muslim] . There are blessings in Suhoor ...
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "Indeed Allah placed blessing in the Suhoor and in the weighing [of grain]". [Shirazi and al-Khateeb/ al-Jami`us-Sagheer; Hasan]
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat Suhoor, for there are blessings in it." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Salman also reported that the Prophet said: "Blessing is in three : The Jama`a [the congregation of the Muslims], The Thareed [a broth of (crumbled) bread and meat] and the Suhoor". [Tabarani and Abu Nu`aim; Hasan]
A companion said: "I entered upon the Prophet (S) and he was taking the Suhoor and he said: "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it". [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i; Sahih]. Abud-Dardaa' reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Come to the blessed morning meal (meaning the Suhoor)". [Ahmad, an-Nasa`i and Abu Dawood].
"Perhaps the greatest blessing of Suhoor is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala (SWT) [Most High and Free of all imperfection], covers the people eating Suhoor with His forgiveness and send His Mercy upon them. The angels ask for forgiveness for them and supplicate to Allah to pardon them, so that they may be granted freedom from the Fire by the Most Merciful in the month of the Qur'an
Abu Said al-Khudri said: The Prophet (S) said: "The Suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a gulp of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take Zuhoor". [Ahmad and Ibn Abi Shaibah]
These reports from the Prophet (S) leave no room for the believer to miss Suhoor. Therefore let us take it upon us to never miss it.
The Time For Zuhoor.
The time for Zuhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn a possible). The Prophet (S) said: "Hasten the breaking of the fast and delay the Zuhoor". [Sahih al-Jami`]
Zaid ibn Thabit reported: "We ate Suhoor with the Messenger of Allah and then we got up for the prayer. He was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He responded: '[The time it would take to recite] fifty ayat."' [al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Amr ibn Maimun adds: "The companions of Muhammad (S), would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Zuhoor." [al-Baihaqi, Abdur-Razzaq and al-Haithami; Sahih]
The Prophet (S) said: "We, the Prophets, have been ordered to hasten breaking the fast, delay the Zuhoor, and to put our right hand on the left one in prayer". [Sahih al-Jami`]
What Would Fulfill Eating Zuhoor?
Eating Suhoor would be fulfilled by eating a moderate quantity of food, or even just by drinking a sip of water as mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Said al-Khudri. However, the best of Zuhoor is eating dates since the Prophet (S) said: "How excellent are dates as the believer's Zuhoor". [Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban and al-Baihaqee; Sahih]
The physical body is a gift from God; it is given to humans as an amanah (trust) to
take care of for a fixed period. How much food is consumed and the choice of food
has a direct impact on the physical and spiritual well-being of the person. The food
that one consumes affects one’s behaviour and personality. Wholesome, natural
and healthy food assists the development of a good personality.
Chapter 20 verse 89 of the Qur’an states “eat of the good and wholesome
things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein”.
Over-eating has long been frowned upon in Islam as it is thought to increase worldly
appetites and cause sluggishness, thereby ‘dulling’ the soul, hampering spiritual growth and increase physical ailments.
The blessed Prophet said: “The children of Adam fill no vessel worse than their
stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat
more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air”.
(Sunan al-Tirmidhî)
Health is the key to happiness and what we consume directly affects our health.
Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The
blessed Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses
afflict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up healthy living
lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a
balance between material and spiritual needs.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a
balanced and healthy lifestyle in one’s life. Through fasting one begins to learn
how to manage one’s eating habits, how to exercises control and discipline. This
month requires one to give the stomach a break and by doing so one is able to
break down and expel the accumulated toxins from the body.
Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit
The fasts of Ramadan can improve a person’s health but they can just as easily
worsen it! The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed
in the non-fasting hours. To fully benefit from fasting a person should spare a
great deal of thought to the type and quantity of food they will indulge in through
the blessed month. As mentioned in the section on spirituality, overeating can,
not only harm the body, but it is thought to also interfere with a person’s spiritual
growth during the month. A diet that has less than a normal amount of food but
is sufficiently balanced will keep a person healthy and active during the month of
Ramadan. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal
everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups as shown in
the model.
Fruit and vegetables
Bread, other cereals and potatoes
Milk and dairy foods
Meat, fish and other protein alternatives
Foods containing good fats
Foods containing natural sugars (honey, dates, fruit)
FOODS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL
Complex Carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during
the long hours of fasting. Complex carbohydrates are found in grains and seeds,
like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal fl our, basmati
rice, etc.
Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly and include bran, cereals, whole
wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, vegetables such as green
beans and almost all fruit including apricots, prunes, figs, etc.
Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain
refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, white flour, etc. as well as of course,
too much fatty foods (e.g. cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets).
It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in drinks such as tea,
coffee and Cola. (Caffeine is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through
urination). instead opt for herbal tea as a alternative it is high in antioxidants and low in caffeine.
Foods to avoid and Healthy/ Alternative foods
Deep fried foods
High sugar / high fat foods
Cooking methods to avoid:
Deep frying
Frying
Alternative cooking methods:
Shallow frying, usually there is very little difference in taste
Grilling or baking is healthier and helps retain the taste and original flavour of the food, especially chicken and fish.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal should be a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling
and provides enough energy for many hours. It is therefore particularly important
to include slowly-digesting foods in the suhoor.
Many of the foods which are mentioned and encouraged are in the Holy Qur’an
and the Sunnah also correspond to modern guidelines on a healthy diet and will
help to maintain balanced, healthy meals in Ramadan.
The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon
him) were: milk, dates, lamb/mutton and oats. Healthy foods mentioned in the
Holy Qur’an are fruit and vegetables such as olives, onions, cucumber, figs,
dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils. The encouragement of fi sh can
be seen in the fact that Islamic Law spares fish from any specific slaughter
requirements, making it easy to incorporate fish in a meal.
Tell us your favourite healthy Suhor recipe click here.
Take a look at some Suhor recipes submitted by other sisters click here.