Sahur

Sahur is a special and blessed meal eaten during the night in the month of Ramadan to prepare for fasting. Waking up at night to gather around the same table with our family is one of the sweetest and most joyful moments of Ramadan.

A visual representing sahur as a family activity (generated by artificial intelligence)

What does sahur mean?

Sahur means, in dictionary terms, “the meal eaten at the earliest hours of the morning.” This term originates from the peaceful time just before dawn known as “seher.” Sahur is not merely about eating food; it is also about preparing for a new day and acts of worship.

When is it performed?

The time for sahur begins in the final part of the night and ends just before dawn, at the moment known as “imsak,” when fasting begins. Our Prophet said that it is far better to perform sahur as close as possible to the end of this time, that is, to eat near the imsak time. Once the call to prayer is made, we stop eating and make our intention for fasting.

Sahur during Ramadan (generated by artificial intelligence)

Why should we perform sahur?

Performing sahur is a beautiful sunnah of our Prophet. He said, “Eat sahur, for there is blessing in sahur.” Sahur sustains our energy throughout the day, provides our body with nourishment, and makes fasting easier. Moreover, eating sahur is one of the most important features that distinguish Muslim fasting from that of others.

How should it be done?

It is important to choose healthy foods during sahur that satisfy hunger without causing thirst, rather than heavy meals. If we are very sleepy and have no desire to eat, even consuming a single date or taking a sip of water is sufficient to attain the blessing of sahur. The prayers made at the sahur table are highly valued, so we can begin the day by asking for good things after eating.