"Verily Allah and His Malaa'ikah (Angels) send Mercy upon those who eat Suhoor."

Salam, Today's topic is on Suhoor. Its importance and benefits. Suhoor is termed from Sahr (end of the night) and is of high regards as we are about to see. It is said to be more important than Iftaar (breaking of the fast) because it helps the fasting person persevere through the fast. Suhoor actually means partaking of food shortly before dawn. I have even heard that to eat at the latest possible time is better and has in it greater rewards than eating earlier, as long as there are no doubts as to whether it is still prior to dawn. Many people deprive themselves of the great reward granted for partaking in Suhoor because of their own laziness. I know i fell in that category until a while back. We all know how hard it is to wake up and eat so early. So many people just ignore it and claim they don't have to eat anything as they can hold on through the entire day. Some even go so far as to finish Taraweeh, and then eat (what is meant for next day's Suhoor) and go to bed. What great blessings they lose!

WHAT TO EAT DURING SUHOOR

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best suhoor for the believer is dates.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2345

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Suhoor is a blessed meal, so do not omit it, even if one of you only takes a sip of water, for Allaah and His angels send blessings on those who eat suhoor.” Narrated by Ahmad, 11003

IMPORTANCE OF SUHOOR

• Because it is the Sunnah of Rasulullah SAW.
• By eating Suhoor, we differentiate ourselves from the ways of the Ahl-ul-Kitaab, which we are at all times called upon to do.
• It provides strength for Ibadah.
• It promotes greater sincerity in Ibadah.
• It aids in elimination of bad temper, which normally comes about as result of hunger.
• Sahr is the time when prayers are accepted.
• At the time of Suhoor, one gets the opportunity to remember Allah, make Zikr and lift up the hand to Allah SWT in supplication.

I will end with a few Hadiths supporting the claims.

‘Amr Ibn al-Aas reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The distinguishing feature between our fast and the fast of the People of the Book is in the eating at the time just before dawn.” - Muslim

‘Abdullah Ibn Haarith said that one of the Sahabah (companion) said: ‘I entered the house of the Messenger (SAW) whilst he was taking the Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), and he (SAW) said: “Indeed it (the Suhoor) is blessing that Allah has given to you so do not leave it out.” - An-Nasaaee and Ahmad

It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” - al-Bukhaari

It was narrated from Jaabir that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to fast, let him eat something for suhoor.” - Ahmad

The Prophet Muhammad SAW has also said: "Eat Sahur, because in it lie great blessings."

One Hadith mentions that Rasulullah SAW says: "Eat Sahur and strengthen yourself for the fast. And sleep in the afternoon (siesta), so as to gain assistance in waking up in the latter portion of the night (for Ibadah)."