Suhur, or Suhoor (Arabic: سحور), also known as Sehri and Iftar, is a significant tradition observed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. This pre-dawn meal, taken before the Fajr prayer, marks the start of the daily fast. For those observing Ramadan prayer times in Australia, Sehri serves as a spiritual and physical preparation for the day’s fast. Many Muslim families rely on the Ramadan timetable Australia to align their Sehri meals with accurate prayer times.
Sehri and Iftar not only sustains individuals throughout the fasting hours but also carries immense blessings as mentioned in a hadith by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Take suhur, as there is a blessing in it.”
Whether following the Ramadan timetable or referencing prayer schedules at local mosques, Sehri is a cherished moment of reflection, devotion, and nourishment.
As the sun sets and the Maghrib prayer echoes across mosques, Muslims break their fast with Iftar. This sacred meal begins with consuming dates, mirroring the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is said to have ended his fast with three dates. Iftar time often sees Muslims gathering at mosques and community centers, fostering unity and spiritual connection. Many mosques open during Ramadan to host communal Iftar meals, creating opportunities for charity and togetherness.
The act of sharing Iftar is deeply rewarding, both spiritually and communally. As narrated in various Hadith, feeding someone at Iftar is a profound act of Sadaqah. Before beginning their meal, Muslims often recite the traditional dua:
“Thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is assured if Allah wills.”
Sehri is a relatively simple breakfast; it is important to choose nutritious and wholesome foods that provide sufficient energy and hydration for the day ahead.
Ramadan is a blessed month and one of the most bountiful blessings by Allah in this month of Ramadan is the chance of having our Supplications accepted. Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) stated:
There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person.
“Tirmidhi: 3598”
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
“I intend to keep the fast tomorrow during the month of Ramadan”
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَ عَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ وَ عَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ
O my Allah, in behalf of Thee I fast, and with the food that Thou provides me I end the fast, and I depend on Thee.