The Importance of Suhoor in Ramadan: Why You Should Never Skip It

The Importance of Suhoor in Ramadan: Why You Should Never Skip It

Ramadan- the holiest month in the entire Hijri calendar. It is the month Muslims all around the world take part in by fasting, praying and practicing spiritual reflection. Their fasting consists of abstaining from food, any kind of drinks, and any other physical needs, instead they direct their attention towards self-discipline, gratitude, forgiveness and bettering their connection with Allah (SWT). The usual day of a Muslim during Ramadan starts with Suhoor. Suhoor is one of the key elements of fasting, it is the pre-dawn meal that helps an individual fuel their body for the long day ahead. Suhoor not only provides physical nourishment but it also carries vast spiritual benefits. In one of the narrated hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he mentions the importance of Suhoor. Narrated by Anas bin Malik, The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 

"Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it." [Sahih al-Bukhari 1923]

Suhoor is an important meal in Islam that helps Muslims prepare for their day long fast during Ramadan. The word "suhoor" literally means "the last part of the night" in Arabic, indicating the time of the meal. Despite this, many people choose to skip this important meal either due to the fact that it's may be difficult for them to to wake up early to eat an entire meal or because they just don't feel hungry. However, opting to skip this meal can result in many more challenges faced during the day than expected, as it possesses the ability to affect your physical health as well as your spiritual health. 

Fasting from dawn all the way to dusk can be challenging and physically demanding, especially when Ramadan falls during the summer days. The long, humid and exhausting days can really take a toll on an individual. Suhoor provides the essential nutrition that keeps the body energised, hydrated and healthy throughout the day. Suhoor helps kick start your metabolic system and avoids the body of having to rely entirely on your previous meal which may not be sufficient to sustain you and can make your fasting last for longer hours. 

Scientifically proven, a well- balanced Suhoor helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing sudden energy crashes that can lead to weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. Additionally, by  refueling on your water intake during Suhoor, you significantly reduce the chances of dehydration. As you won't be consuming water throughout the day, your body would heavily rely on the fluids you consume at Suhoor.  

Due to the early kick start of your metabolic system, and the nourishment provided to your body, it helps provide mental clarity and focus to the fasting person. Whether your working, studying or managing household tasks, any work that requires lucidity can be improved by Suhoor, as the fasting person avoids experiencing brain fog, irritability and concentration difficultly. Eating a nutritious meal before fasting can improve cognitive function and help you remain productive throughout the day.

Aside from the physical benefits experienced through  Suhoor, there are numerous positive effects it has upon an individual's spiritual health as well. First and foremost, as evident, eating Suhoor was heavily encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as it distinguishes Islamic fasting from other forms of fasting. In a reported Hadith it is narrated that AL-'Irbad bin Sariyah said:

"I heard the Messenger of Allah inviting people to have Sahur in Ramadan. He said: 'Come to the blessed breakfast." [Sunan an-Nasa'i 2163]

This goes to show just how important Suhoor was to the Prophet (PBUH) and how much he used to prioritise encouraging it to others. Following this Sunnah brings blessings and ensures that we are fasting in the way prescribed by Allah.

Moreover, the nourishment and energy harvested from the Suhoor meal helps provide strength to the body, this ultimately comes in handy in helping fulfill your worships and obeying Allah (SWT) throughout the day. The added strength not only fuels you enough to fulfill your daily prayers, read the Quran, remember Allah (SWT) through dhikr, but it also helps take on additional acts of worship. As when an individual is hungry, they are far more likely to become lazy, whether that be in worship or in their day-to-day responsibilities. I stead of using fasting as an excuse to get away with incompetence, Suhoor helps fuel the body enough to keep up with your daily religious and worldly duties. 

That sense of productivity and lack of hunger ultimately helps an individual ward off bad attitudes that may be provoked by hunger. As we all know, fasting during the month of Ramadan is not just about staying away from food and water. As a Muslim, you do not just fast from food or water, you most importantly fast from obscenities, temptations, immoderation, and indulgence. To accomplish this, we must gain control of our thoughts, emotions and actions, and the mental clarity needed to stay on top of all this is experienced through the meal of Suhoor. 

Since Suhoor is heavily recommended through the actions and practises of the Prophet (PBUH) there are a few food that were recommended by him. Eating the right foods at suhoor can make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day. The best Suhoor meals are those that provide long-lasting energy, hydration, and essential nutrients. Some Sunnah-inspired foods to include in your meal are: 

• ‌Protein-Rich Foods for Strength

Including eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, or lean meats in your Suhoor helps maintain muscle strength and keeps hunger at bay. Protein takes longer to digest, making it a great choice for sustaining energy.

• ‌Whole Grains for Sustained Energy

Foods like oats, whole wheat bread, and brown rice release energy slowly, helping you feel full for longer. These complex carbohydrates prevent energy crashes and keep you fueled throughout the day.

• ‌Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries are high in water content, helping you stay hydrated. These fruits and vegetables also provide important vitamins and minerals.

To grasp a better understand at all the foods highly recommended by the Sunnah if the Prophet (PBUH) have a look at one of our previous blogs, The Importance of Sunnah Foods: Prophetic Diet and Nutrition in Islam.