Suhoor & Iftar: The Two Blessed Meals of Ramadan – Sunnah, Timings, and Virtues

The Sunnah of Suhoor & Iftar: How to Eat Like the Prophet ﷺ in Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of profound spiritual reflection and devotion for Muslims worldwide. Central to the observance of Ramadan are two essential meals: Suhoor (also spelled Sahoor) and Iftar. These meals not only provide physical nourishment but also hold significant spiritual importance, embodying the practices and traditions established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Suhoor: The Pre-Dawn Meal

Suhoor is the meal consumed before dawn, prior to the commencement of the daily fast. It serves as a vital source of energy, sustaining individuals throughout the day. The practice of partaking in Suhoor is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and is considered a blessed act.

Suhoor Definition and Timing

Suhoor is consumed in the early hours of the morning, concluding before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of Suhoor, stating:

تَسَحَّرُوا، فَإِنَّ فِي السُّحُورِ بَرَكَةً

"Have Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing."

"Tasharraw, fa-inna fis-suhoori barakah." 

Manner of Consumption of Suhoor

It is recommended to delay Suhoor until just before the Fajr prayer. This practice aligns with the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet ﷺ, who would consume Suhoor close to the time of Fajr, allowing a brief interval equivalent to the recitation of fifty Quranic verses between finishing Suhoor and commencing the prayer. This timing underscores the importance of Suhoor in providing sustenance for the day's fast.

Sunnah Practices Associated with Suhoor

Consuming Dates: The Prophet ﷺ recommended eating dates during Suhoor, highlighting their nutritional value. He stated:

نِعْمَ سَحُورُ الْمُؤْمِنِ التَّمْرُ

"What a good Suhoor for the believer is dates."

"Ni'ma suhoor al-mu'min at-tamr."

Hydration: Drinking sufficient water during Suhoor is advised to maintain hydration throughout the fasting hours.

Iftar: The Breaking of the Fast

Iftar is the meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset. It is a moment of gratitude and communal gathering, reflecting on the day's spiritual journey.

Iftar  Definition and Timing

Iftar occurs immediately after sunset, marking the conclusion of the day's fast. The promptness in breaking the fast is a practice encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ, who said:

لَا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بِخَيْرٍ مَا عَجَّلُوا الْفِطْرَ

"The people will continue to be upon good as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast."

"Lā yazālun-nāsu bikhayrin mā 'ajjalul-fitr."

Manner of Consumption of Iftar Meal

Traditionally, Iftar begins with the consumption of fresh dates and water, emulating the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. If dates are unavailable, water suffices. Following this, Muslims perform the Maghrib (sunset) prayer before proceeding to a more substantial meal.

Sunnah Practices Associated with Iftar

• Supplication Before Breaking the Fast
  It is Sunnah to recite the following supplication before Iftar:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

"Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu."

"O Allah, I have fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I rely upon You, and with Your provision, I break my fast." 

• Offering Maghrib Prayer
  Performing the Maghrib prayer promptly after breaking the fast with dates and water is a practiced Sunnah.

• Sharing Meals
  Providing Iftar to others, especially the less fortunate, is highly meritorious and fosters community bonds. The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لَا يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ شَيْئًا

"Man fattara sa'iman kana lahu mithlu ajrihi ghayra annahu la yanqusu min ajri as-sa'imi shay'un."

"Whoever gives Iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest."

 

Table: The Two Essential Meals in Ramadan – Suhoor & Iftar

Aspect	Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)	Iftar (Breaking Fast Meal)
Timing	Before Fajr (dawn) prayer, ideally closer to Fajr.	At Maghrib (sunset) immediately after Adhan.
Significance	Provides energy for the fasting day.	Marks the completion of the fast.
Sunnah Practices	- Eat dates (if available). - Delay Suhoor closer to Fajr. - Drink water for hydration.	- Break the fast with dates and water. - Make supplication before Iftar. - Hasten to break the fast.
Hadith Reference	“Have Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1923)	“The people will continue to be upon good as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1957)
Dua (Supplication)	No specific supplication but can make any personal dua.	اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ (Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu.) "O Allah, I have fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I rely upon You, and with Your provision, I break my fast." (Sunan Abi Dawood, 2358)
Best Foods	Dates, whole grains, protein, and water.	Dates, water, soup, and a balanced meal.
Recommended Actions	- Pray Tahajjud if possible. - Make personal supplications.	- Perform Maghrib prayer before eating a heavy meal. - Share Iftar with others.

A Special Message for Muslim Reverts

Ramadan is a journey of both the body and soul. While fasting strengthens our self-discipline and faith, Suhoor and Iftar remind us of Allah’s mercy and the blessings we often take for granted.

For Muslim reverts, experiencing Ramadan for the first time can feel overwhelming. The change in routine, new acts of worship, and deep spiritual reflections can be both beautiful and challenging. But know this: you are not alone.

Every fast, every Suhoor in the quiet moments of the night, and every Iftar shared with loved ones is an opportunity to strengthen your bond with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself and his closest companions were once new to Islam, yet they embraced the beauty of its teachings one step at a time.

Trust the process. Keep learning. Make du'a. And remember, Allah sees every effort you make, no matter how small.

May this Ramadan bring you closer to Allah, fill your heart with tranquility, and strengthen your faith. You are part of a global family now—welcome home. 🤍

Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙✨ 

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References:

• Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1923), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1095)
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1957), Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1098)
• Sunan Abi Dawood (Hadith 2358), Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 1753)
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187)