Sahoor | A meal for Nourishing The Soul & Body
The Power and Purpose of Sahoor in Islam
In the quiet moments before dawn, while the world still rests, a sacred Sunnah takes place—Sahoor. For practicing Muslims, especially during Ramadan, Sahoor is more than just a pre-dawn meal; it is a time of spiritual nourishment, obedience to the Sunnah, and a reflection of reliance upon Allah ﷻ.
This blog post explores the significance, rulings, benefits, and recommended practices of Sahoor in Islam, drawing from the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and scholarly understanding. For anyone seeking to understand what Sahoor is, why it is important, and how to perform it correctly, this comprehensive guide offers insight rooted in the authentic Islamic tradition.
What is Sahoor?
Sahoor refers to the pre-dawn meal consumed by Muslims before beginning the daily fast during the month of Ramadan and other voluntary fasts. It is eaten shortly before Fajr (dawn) and marks the last opportunity to eat or drink before the fast begins.
The term comes from the Arabic root سَحَرَ, referring to the time just before dawn. It is a time deeply praised in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah ﷻ mentions those who seek forgiveness during this blessed hour:
وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ
“And in the hours before dawn, they would seek forgiveness.”
Surah adh-Dhariyat 51:18
This time holds immense value for both spiritual acts such as prayer and supplication, and for physical preparation for the fast—through Sahoor.
The Importance of Sahoor in the Sunnah
Sahoor is not merely recommended; it is a highly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. He ﷺ strongly encouraged his Ummah to partake in it, even if with something as little as a sip of water.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
‟تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السُّحُورِ بَرَكَةً”
“Take Sahoor, for indeed there is blessing (barakah) in Sahoor.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095
The barakah mentioned in this Hadith refers not just to physical energy but to spiritual benefit, protection, and reward. It distinguishes the Muslim fast from other traditions, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
‟فَصْلُ مَا بَيْنَ صِيَامِنَا وَصِيَامِ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أَكْلَةُ السَّحَرِ”
“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the (meal of) Sahoor.”
— Sahih Muslim 1096
When Should Sahoor Be Eaten?
The ideal time for Sahoor is shortly before Fajr, making sure to finish before the adhan is called. Delaying Sahoor to the last possible moment (without risking entering the time of Fajr) is also from the Sunnah.
Anas ibn Malik reported that Zayd ibn Thabit said:
‟تَسَحَّرْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ ثُمَّ قَامَ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ، قُلْتُ: كَمْ كَانَ بَيْنَ الأَذَانِ وَالسُّحُورِ؟ قَالَ: قَدْرَ خَمْسِينَ آيَةً”
“We took Sahoor with the Prophet ﷺ, then he stood up for prayer. I asked: How long was there between the adhan and Sahoor? He said: The time it takes to recite fifty verses.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1921
This indicates that Sahoor should not be eaten too early in the night, but closer to Fajr, ideally finishing just a few minutes before dawn.
Why Sahoor is Important in Islam
The importance of Sahoor is affirmed through multiple authentic Hadith. It distinguishes the fasting of Muslims from that of other nations, and it carries divine barakah (blessing). The Prophet ﷺ said:
”تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السُّحُورِ بَرَكَةً“
“Take Sahoor, for indeed there is blessing (barakah) in Sahoor.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095
The blessing in Sahoor is spiritual and physical. It offers strength for the fasting day, allows us to pray and make Dua at a time of divine nearness, and sets us apart by reviving the Sunnah.
Another Hadith shows its distinction:
”فَصْلُ مَا بَيْنَ صِيَامِنَا وَصِيَامِ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أَكْلَةُ السَّحَرِ“
“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the (meal of) Sahoor.”
Sahih Muslim 1096
While Sahoor provides physical energy for the fasting day, its spiritual impact is far greater. Engaging in Sahoor brings a person into the blessed pre-dawn hours, a time in which Allah ﷻ descends to the lowest heaven and responds to duʿas, as described in the Hadith:
‟يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا، حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرِ، فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟…”
“Our Lord, Blessed and Exalted is He, descends each night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: Who is calling upon Me so that I may respond to him?…”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758
This makes Sahoor an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and heartfelt dua. It is a time of acceptance, making even the act of eating—if done with intention—part of one’s worship.
Spiritual Opportunities at the Time of Sahoor
The time of Sahoor is also the time of Tahajjud—the night prayer—and a moment when Allah ﷻ descends to the lowest heaven, responding to supplications. The Prophet ﷺ said:
”يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا، حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرِ، فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟…“
“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night when one-third of the night remains and says: Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him…”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758
Sahoor, therefore, is an invitation to Dua, istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and reflection. It is an intimate moment with Allah ﷻ before the rush of the day begins.
What to Eat for Sahoor
While no specific foods are prescribed, the Prophet ﷺ praised dates as an excellent Sahoor:
”نِعْمَ سَحُورُ الْمُؤْمِنِ التَّمْرُ“
“How excellent are dates as the Sahoor of the believer.”
Sunan Abi Dawud 2345, graded hasan
Practical Sahoor foods include:
- Dates (as per Sunnah)
- Whole grains or oats
- Water, milk, or natural juices
- Eggs, fruits, and light proteins
Avoid overly salty or fried foods, which may increase thirst during the day.
Common Misunderstandings About Sahoor
Some may think that skipping Sahoor has no consequence if one is not hungry. However, the spiritual barakah in Sahoor comes from the act itself, not the quantity of food. Even drinking water with intention earns the reward of this Sunnah. Another misconception is that Sahoor must be a large or elaborate meal. While eating nutritious food is wise, the spiritual benefit does not depend on quantity, but on intention, timing, and following the Sunnah.
Duas to Recite at the Time of Sahoor
In the great wisdom of Islam, there isn’t a specific dua (supplication) that the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) taught us for Suhoor. However, he emphasized the blessings of this meal by saying, “Take Suhoor, for indeed there is a blessing in it.” (Bukhari)
Thereby, it is highly recommended to make dua and engage in the remembrance of Allah s.w.t during this blessed time. It might include asking for His mercy, seeking His forgiveness, and requesting guidance and strength for the day ahead.
The time of Sahoor is among the best times to make Dua, as it is part of the last third of the night—a time when Allah ﷻ is near and answers the calls of His servants. Here are a series of authentic and meaningful Duas that you can recite at Sahoor to seek forgiveness, strength, and blessings for your fast:
1. Dua for a Blessed Fast and Night Prayer
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صِيَامِي فِيهِ صِيَامَ الصَّائِمِينَ، وَقِيَامِي فِيهِ قِيَامَ الْقَائِمِينَ، وَنَبِّهْنِي فِيهِ عَنْ نَوْمَةِ الْغَافِلِينَ، وَهَبْ لِي جُرْمِي فِيهِ يَا إِلٰهَ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَاعْفُ عَنِّي يَا عَافِيًا عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿal ṣiyāmī fīhi ṣiyāma aṣ-ṣāʾimīn, wa qiyāmī fīhi qiyāma al-qāʾimīn, wa nabihnī fīhi ʿan nawmat al-ghāfilīn, wahab lī jurmī fīhi yā Ilāha al-ʿālamīn, waʿfu ʿannī yā ʿĀfiyan ʿan al-mujrimīn.
Translation:
O Allah, make my fasting like the fasting of those who truly fast, and my prayer like those who truly stand in worship, and awaken me from the sleep of the heedless. Forgive me, O Lord of the worlds, and pardon me, O Pardoner of sinners.
2. Dua for Support and Guidance
اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى صِيَامِهِ وَقِيَامِهِ، وَجَنِّبْنِي فِيهِ مِنْ هَفَوَاتِ اللِّسَانِ، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الرَّاشِدِينَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma aʿinnī ʿalā ṣiyāmihi wa qiyāmihi, wa jannibnī fīhi min hafawāti al-lisān, wajʿalnī fīhi mina ar-rāshidīn.
Translation:
O Allah, help me in fasting and praying during it, protect me from the slips of the tongue, and make me among the rightly guided.
3. Dua for Patience and Faith
﴿رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ﴾
Translation:
Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims.
Surah al-Aʿrāf 7:126
4. Dua for Blessing the Sahoor
اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِي سُحُورِي، وَاغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي، وَاجْعَلْ صِيَامِي مَقْبُولًا
Transliteration:
Allāhumma bārik lī fī suḥūrī, waghfir lī dhanbī, wajʿal ṣiyāmī maqbūlan.
Translation:
O Allah, bless my Sahoor, forgive my sins, and accept my fast.
5. Dua for Forgiveness in the Pre-Dawn Hours
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ الْأَبْرَارِ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿalnī fīhi mina al-mustaghfirīna bil-asḥār, wajʿalnī fīhi min ʿibādika aṣ-ṣāliḥīn al-abrār.
Translation:
O Allah, make me among those who seek forgiveness at Sahoor, and among Your righteous and pious servants.
﴿وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ﴾
6. Dua for Acceptance and Forgiveness
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صِيَامِي فِيهِ صِيَامَ مَن تَقَبَّلْتَ صِيَامَهُ، وَقِيَامِي فِيهِ قِيَامَ مَن قَبِلْتَ قِيَامَهُ، وَذَنْبِي فِيهِ ذَنْبَ مَن غَفَرْتَ لَهُ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿal ṣiyāmī fīhi ṣiyāma man taqabbalta ṣiyāmahu, wa qiyāmī fīhi qiyāma man qabilta qiyāmahu, wa dhanbī fīhi dhanba man ghafarta lahu.
Translation:
O Allah, make my fast like that of one whose fast You have accepted, and my prayer like that of one whose prayer You have approved, and my sins like those of one whom You have forgiven.
Additional Duas Related to Sahoor and Fasting
- Dua
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صِيَامِي فِيهِ صِيَامَ الصَّائِمِينَ، وَقِيَامِي فِيهِ قِيَامَ الْقَائِمِينَ، وَنَبِّهْنِي فِيهِ عَنْ نَوْمَةِ الْغَافِلِينَ، وَهَبْ لِي جُرْمِي فِيهِ يَا إِلٰهَ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَاعْفُ عَنِّي يَا عَافِيًا عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿal ṣiyāmī fīhi ṣiyāma aṣ-ṣāʾimīn, wa qiyāmī fīhi qiyāma al-qāʾimīn, wa nabihnī fīhi ʿan nawmat al-ghāfilīn, wahab lī jurmī fīhi yā Ilāha al-ʿālamīn, waʿfu ʿannī yā ʿĀfiyan ʿan al-mujrimīn.
Translation:
O Allah, make my fasting in it the fasting of those who truly fast, and my standing in prayer the standing of those who truly stand, and awaken me from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins, O Lord of the worlds, and pardon me, O Pardoner of the sinners.
Note: This is a well-known supplication narrated by early righteous scholars for the nights and days of Ramadan. It is widely cited in Arabic supplication collections like Muṣḥaf al-Duʿāʾāt.
- Dua
اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى صِيَامِهِ وَقِيَامِهِ، وَجَنِّبْنِي فِيهِ مِنْ هَفَوَاتِ اللِّسَانِ، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الرَّاشِدِينَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma aʿinnī ʿalā ṣiyāmihi wa qiyāmihi, wa jannibnī fīhi min hafawāti al-lisān, wajʿalnī fīhi mina ar-rāshidīn.
Translation:
O Allah, help me in fasting and praying during it, protect me from slips of the tongue, and make me among those rightly guided.
Note: This dua is commonly recited by scholars during Sahoor or before the fast begins, as a way to seek both discipline and guidance.
- Dua
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ
Translation:
Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].
Surah al-Aʿrāf 7:126
Context: This verse can be recited at Sahoor, especially when preparing for long or difficult fasts, as it invokes patience and steadfastness.
- Dua
اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِي سُحُورِي، وَاغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي، وَاجْعَلْ صِيَامِي مَقْبُولًا
Transliteration:
Allāhumma bārik lī fī suḥūrī, waghfir lī dhanbī, wajʿal ṣiyāmī maqbūlan.
Translation:
O Allah, bless my Sahoor, forgive my sins, and accept my fasting.
Note: This is widely used in Arabic duaa collections and Sahoor handbooks as a personal supplication to combine barakah, forgiveness, and acceptance.
- Dua
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ الْأَبْرَارِ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿalnī fīhi mina al-mustaghfirīna bil-asḥār, wajʿalnī fīhi min ʿibādika aṣ-ṣāliḥīn al-abrār.
Translation:
O Allah, make me among those who seek forgiveness at Sahoor, and make me among Your righteous and pious servants.
Qur’anic Inspiration:
﴿وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ﴾
“And in the pre-dawn hours, they would seek forgiveness.”
Surah adh-Dhāriyāt 51:18
- Dua
اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صِيَامِي فِيهِ صِيَامَ مَن تَقَبَّلْتَ صِيَامَهُ، وَقِيَامِي فِيهِ قِيَامَ مَن قَبِلْتَ قِيَامَهُ، وَذَنْبِي فِيهِ ذَنْبَ مَن غَفَرْتَ لَهُ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ajʿal ṣiyāmī fīhi ṣiyāma man taqabbalta ṣiyāmahu, wa qiyāmī fīhi qiyāma man qabilta qiyāmahu, wa dhanbī fīhi dhanba man ghafarta lahu.
Translation:
O Allah, make my fast like the fast of one whose fasting You have accepted, my prayer like the prayer of one whose prayer You have approved, and my sins like the sins of one whom You have forgiven.
Note: This beautiful personal supplication is quoted in various Ramadan-themed Arabic supplication books and serves as a heartfelt plea for acceptance.
These Duas, drawn from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical sources, are ideal to incorporate during Sahoor and throughout the fasting day. They not only align our intentions with sincere worship but also fulfill the spiritual purpose of fasting as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Read more: The Importance of Intention in Dua – muslimduaa.com
Now let’s explore some best Islamic practices we can engage in during this blessed time to attain maximum rewards from Allah and to promote our health and well-being throughout the day.
In the quiet hours of the dawn before Fajr, Muslims worldwide partake in Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal we eat before beginning our fast. It is a serene time, where we can enjoy the tranquil moments before the day’s challenges. It is also a meaningful time to raise our hands to Allah s.w.t., supplicating Him to bestow us with spiritual and physical strength.
Sahoor Best Practices
1. Rise Early For Suhoor
Integrating the Sunnah of delaying the Suhoor is a practice recommended by the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). The blessings and barakah descend upon us, especially during the last portion of the night, allowing us to be in a state of remembrance and connect with Allah before dawn strikes and Fajr begins.
2. Engage in The Remembrance of Allah
While it’s important to nourish the body in preparation for fasting, nourishing the soul is equally important. Use this quiet time to engage in Dua, Dhikr, and the reading of Qur’an, turning your attention towards Allah. Praise His glory, ask for His forgiveness, seek His blessings, and submit your day to His guidance.
3. Consume a Balanced Meal
Focus on preparing a balanced Suhoor, including all major food groups: proteins, carbs, and fats with a heavy emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and fluids. These foods provide energy and keep you hydrated for the day ahead.
4. Pray at least Two Rakkas of The Tahajjud Prayer
In the last third of the night, there’s a highly spiritual time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, extending His mercy and forgiveness. Seize this time to pray Tahajjud, immerse yourself in supplication, and ask for Allah’s mercy.
According to one of the hadiths of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Allah s.w.t. descends to the lowest heaven during this heavenly portion of the night. Sahih Al-Bukhari reports in Hadith Qudsi:
“In the last third of every night, our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the nearest heaven and says: “Is anyone invoking Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone asking of Me that I may grant him his request? Is anyone seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?”
This hadith signifies that during these sacred hours, the boundary between the heavens and earth is adorned with a divine closeness. It is a time characterized by divine acceptance of dua, divine forgiveness of our sins, and divine response to our needs
5. Make Your Intentions Known To Allah
Before the break of dawn and the start of your fast, make your intention known to Allah. The Prophet taught us a simple phrase to set our intention: “وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ” (Translation: I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.)
Practicing these tips during Suhoor can add spiritual depth and physical comfort to our fasts. Let us not forget the significance of these moments before dawn, let us savor them in deep communion with our Creator, seeking His pleasure and mercy.
May Allah accept our fasts, our meals, our silent conversations with Him during Suhoor, and make us amongst the ones who witness the blessings of this holy month. Ameen.
Health Benefits of Sahoor
Modern health experts also affirm the benefits of a pre-dawn meal. For fasting individuals, Sahoor helps:
- Maintain stable blood sugar levels
- Reduce fatigue and headaches during fasting
- Improve alertness and energy
- Support hydration for long hours
Combining this physical wisdom with the spiritual reward of following the Sunnah makes Sahoor a truly comprehensive act of worship.
Making the Most of Sahoor Spiritually
To fully benefit from Sahoor, it is encouraged to:
- Make intention (niyyah) for fasting
- Offer voluntary prayers such as Tahajjud
- Engage in dua, dhikr, and istighfar
- Avoid wasteful talk or distractions
- Help prepare Sahoor for others, especially family
This transforms Sahoor from a routine meal into a sacred moment of worship.
The Role of Sahoor Beyond Ramadan
While Sahoor is most often associated with Ramadan, it is also a Sunnah for voluntary fasts, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month), and the day of Arafah.
Maintaining Sahoor even outside Ramadan reinforces a consistent connection to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and cultivates spiritual discipline throughout the year.
Sahoor as a Way of Life
Sahoor is not just a meal. It is a moment of obedience, a gateway to barakah, and a reminder of the mercy of Allah ﷻ. Through this blessed act, we are given the chance to begin our day in worship, gratitude, and reflection. The time of Sahoor is more than a ritual; it is a sacred opportunity. By rising for this pre-dawn meal, you follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, benefit from divine blessings, and enter into the day’s fast with physical strength and spiritual readiness.
Through heartfelt Duas at Sahoor, you align your intention with worship and open your heart to Allah’s ﷻ mercy. Whether you eat a full meal or drink a sip of water, the reward lies in the sincerity and connection that this moment allows.
May Allah ﷻ grant barakah in our Sahoor, accept our fasting, and forgive us in these blessed hours.
Read more: The Importance of Intention in Dua – muslimduaa.com