The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) invited me to a meal shortly before dawn in Ramadan saying: Come to the blessed morning meal.
Hadith Text & Context
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) invited me to a meal shortly before dawn in Ramadan saying: Come to the blessed morning meal.
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2344 in the Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam) describes the Prophet's invitation to suhur, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.
Meaning of "Blessed Morning Meal"
The term "blessed morning meal" (al-sahur al-mubarak) indicates the spiritual and physical blessings contained in this pre-dawn sustenance. Scholars explain this blessing manifests through: divine mercy accompanying those who rise for worship, strength provided for fasting, acceptance of supplications during the last third of night, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the blessing includes both the spiritual reward for reviving this Sunnah and the physical benefit of strengthening the fasting person.
Legal Rulings & Recommendations
This hadith establishes the recommended nature (mustahabb) of taking the suhur meal, even if minimal. Al-Nawawi states that delaying suhur until shortly before dawn is superior, as demonstrated by the Prophet's practice.
The meal's timing "shortly before dawn" indicates the wisdom in maximizing the night for worship while ensuring adequate preparation for the fast. Scholars derive that eating suhur distinguishes Muslim fasting practices from those of earlier communities.
Spiritual Dimensions
Al-Ghazali explains that suhur represents spiritual preparation for the day's devotion, transforming ordinary nourishment into an act of worship when accompanied by proper intention.
The communal aspect highlighted by the invitation reflects Islam's emphasis on brotherhood and shared spiritual experiences during Ramadan.