Suhoor

Suhoor times 

Suhoor is eaten  early in the morning, before the break of dawn. The time of Suhoor varies depending on the time of year in which Ramadan takes place, and also varies within the month itself, as day length changes. 

As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday 23rd March 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Find out more about Suhoor times in the UK by visiting our Ramadan Timetable 2023. 

What is Suhoor?

Suhoor is the meal eaten early in the morning before dawn, by Muslims fasting during Ramadan. 

It is vital to prepare the body for a long day of fasting ahead, and so Suhoor should be as balanced and nutritious as possible. 

What time does Suhoor end? 

Most scholars agree that suhoor can be eaten until the beginning of the ‘first light’ of dawn which is up until the point that sunlight first becomes visible. Suhoor is eaten before Fajr time. 

The Quran states that fasting begins when “the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread.”  (2:187)

You can find out what time Suhoor ends for each day during Ramadan 2023 here. 

Meaning of Suhoor 

The literal meaning of Suhoor in Arabic is ‘the last part of the night’, referring to the fact that the meal is eaten early in the morning, before the break of dawn. The purpose of Suhoor is to help prepare the body for a day of fasting, and to help ease the difficulties of fasting. 

From a spiritual perspective, the Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to eat Suhoor, because of the hidden blessings that come from eating the meal: 

“There is blessing in eating suḥūr; so, do not skip it, even if one of you has a sip of water. For indeed Allah and His Angels send blessings and mercy on those who eat suḥūr” (Aḥmad).

Suhoor is blessed because it is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet (PBUH). It also gives us more strength to engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah SWT) and more energy to get through the day. 

By waking up for Suhoor, Muslims also ensure that they are awake to supplicate to Allah (SWT) in the last part of the night, which is the best time for worship. 

Ideas for Suhoor 

When you’re thinking of ideas for Suhoor, try to balance finding something nutritious to eat, with something you will look forward to (to help you get out of bed at early hours of the morning!), as well as considering the impact that your meal choices have on the environment. 

During suhur, avoid caffeine, which can cause dehydration. Consider replacing your tea and coffee with decaf options or milk and fresh juice.

It’s important to remember that  we have  a responsibility to Allah (SWT)’s creatures and that we are stewards of the earth. 

Therefore, try and cut back on meat this Ramadan, and aim to buy more local produce. Find out more about having an Eco-Ramadan here. 

If you’re struggling to find Suhoor recipes, you can find ideas by searching on YouTube. 

Best things to eat for Suhoor 

Here is a list of nutritious foods to enjoy at Suhoor which will help keep you energised throughout your fast: 

• Eggs: They are full of protein and will help you feel full. Some ideas are to make an omelette, or to try poached eggs on toast. 
• Slow-release carbohydrates such as oats, wholegrain rice and wholemeal bread. To keep up your strength whilst fasting, these foods will help to keep you full and energised throughout the day.
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, and will keep you hydrated and energised. Don’t forget to eat to implement the Sunnah of eating dates at Suhoor. 
• Nuts: Adding a handful of nuts to your porridge or spreading a nut butter on your toast will give you a healthy source of fats, and help keep you fuller for longer. 

Dua for Suhoor 

It is recommended to make the following intention at Suhoor time when beginning your fast:

“Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan” 

Translation: I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.

Significance of eating dates for Suhoor 

The Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is to eat dates at suhoor time. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best pre-fasting meal for the believer is dates.” (Abu Daoud) Therefore we should incorporate them in our Suhoor, in order to gain the blessings of following a Sunnah.  

The scholars recommend eating an odd number of dates, for example 1 or 3. 

As with other Sunnahs of the Prophet (PBUH), there are many health benefits of eating dates. “Indeed in dates there is a cure” (Muslim). Dates are a great source of protein, B vitamins, fibre and potassium, helping to support the immune system and healthy functioning of the body. 

We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Mufti Bilal Omarjee.

Page last reviewed: 8 March 2023

Next review due: Within 12 months