Suhur: The Sacred Pre-Dawn Meal
Definition and Meaning: Suhur (Arabic: سُحور) refers to the pre-dawn meal consumed by practicing Muslims before the commencement of their fast (sawm) during the holy month of Ramadan. The meal is integral to observing the fast, marking the last point at which food and drink can be consumed before daylight hours. Following the suhur, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and marital relations until sunset, when the fast is broken with the iftar meal.
Etymology and Background
The term “Suhur” derives from the Arabic root “س-ح-ر” (s-h-r), which encompasses the concept of something happening in the darkness before dawn. The term underscores the connection between the meal and the early hours before daylight.
Historical Facts and Dates
- Islamic Tradition: The practice of consuming suhur is rooted in Islamic tradition and is recommended in various hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad).
- Hadith Examples: “Eat Suhur, for in Suhur there is blessing.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Historical Observance: The observance of suhur has been a part of Ramadan since the early days of Islam in the 7th century CE.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the core aspect of suhur remains the same across the Muslim world—being a meal consumed before dawn—cultural variations exist in the types of foods consumed and the manner of observance:
- Middle East: Examples of foods include dates, yogurt, and bread.
- South Asia: The meal might consist of parathas, lentils, and spicy dishes.
- Southeast Asia: Rice, noodles, and various vegetables and meats are commonly consumed.
Regardless of geographical differences, the objective remains to consume a balanced meal that sustains the individual through the daylight fasting hours.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Imsak: The predetermined time at which the fast begins, closely following the suhur meal.
- Iftar: The meal eaten to break the fast after sunset.
- Sawm: The act of fasting itself.
Exciting Facts
- Universality: Suhur is often a communal activity, with families and friends gathering before the first light of day.
- Biological Benefits: Eating suhur is suggested to help maintain blood glucose levels during the fast, reducing hunger and improving overall energy throughout the day.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Verily, in the Suhur is a blessing.” - Sahih Bukhari
- Imam Nawawi: “The blessed meal (suhur) in the early morning is a divine facilitation for the believers.”
Translations
- Arabic: سُحور (Suhur)
- Turkish: Sahur
- Urdu: سحری
- Bengali: সেহেরি (Sehri)
- Indonesian: Sahur
- Persian: سحر (Sahar)
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- “The Fiqh of Fasting: A Complete Guide to Ramadhan” by `Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera
- “Ramadan’s Spiritual Essence: Thoughts on Fasting and Suhur” by `Fatimah Khan
Quizzes
Ibrahim Malik Published on: 2023-10-03
“In fasting for Ramadan, Suhur is more than just physical sustenance; it’s a spiritual harmonization to embark on a day of reflection, patience, and devotion.”
