Anas reported God's messenger as saying, “Take a meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking a meal at that time.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Virtue of Suhur
This hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih (1982) establishes the great sunnah of taking the pre-dawn meal (suhur) before the fast begins. The Prophet ﷺ specifically commanded this action, indicating its importance in Islamic practice.
The Meaning of "Blessing"
The "blessing" (barakah) mentioned encompasses both spiritual and worldly benefits. Spiritually, it distinguishes the Muslim fast from that of People of the Book who fast without suhur. Worldly benefits include strengthened resolve, increased energy for worship, and facilitation of the fast.
Scholars explain this blessing manifests through divine reward for following the sunnah, physical strength for fasting, increased piety throughout the day, and the opportunity for additional prayers and remembrance of Allah during the pre-dawn hours.
Timing and Practice
The phrase "a little before dawn" indicates the recommended time is the last portion of the night, close to the Fajr prayer. This timing maximizes the spiritual benefits while ensuring the fast is properly entered at the correct time.
Even a small amount of food or drink suffices to attain this blessing, as the essence is in following the prophetic guidance regardless of the quantity consumed.
Legal Ruling and Wisdom
The majority of scholars consider suhur as a strongly recommended sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah), not obligatory. Its wisdom includes distinguishing Islamic practices, gaining strength for worship, and increasing charitable opportunities by feeding others during this blessed time.