What is Sehri (Suhoor)?
Suhoor is the pre-Fajr meal in the month of Ramadan. It is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophet (ﷺ) and is very blessed. Although fasting remains valid without Sehri, a Muslim misses the blessings and Sunnah associated with this blessed meal.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) urged the Muslims to eat sehri irrespective of its size or smallness. This Sunnah can be performed with just a few dates or a glass of water. The purpose behind Sehri is not to eat too much; rather, it is to prepare the body for fasting during the day and start the day with an act of obedience to Allah. If you want to learn about the Quran but you are unable to get to a teacher, Quran classes online offer you the option to learn with qualified teachers from around the globe and make authentic Quran education online more accessible than ever before.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Eat Suhoor (breakfast), for indeed there is a blessing in Suhoor.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith emphasizes that Sehri is not just breakfast before dawn. As a form of worship, it sets it apart from previous nations and encourages Muslims to start their fast in a grateful and remembrance way of Allah.
The Quranic Ruling on the Time to Stop Sehri
The main evidence for the time of Sehri comes from Surah Al-Baqarah. It is clear from the Quran that Muslims are allowed to eat at a certain time and drink at a certain time and that the fast is officially commenced at a certain time.
Allah says:
“Until the white thread of dawn appears to you clearly above the black thread of night, then you should end the fast.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse doesn’t leave much room for interpretation. Muslims may eat and drink all night until the actual dawn (Fajr). When the time of Fajr arrives, then the fast begins, and there is no time for eating and drinking.
The verse doesn’t tell believers to refrain from eating for 10 or 15 minutes before Fajr. Rather, it brings the dawn of the fast right to the real dawn. This is a straightforward explanation of the lessons of Islam, showing its simplicity and balance.
The scholars have always stated that the ruling is the same for every culture and geographical region. The fast continues from the time of the entrance of Fajr (morning call) until the time of sunset, regardless of the length of the day, whether it is longer in summer or shorter in winter.
What does it mean to be the “True Dawn”?
The reason is that people do not have a clear understanding of the difference between false dawn and true dawn. Islamic scholars describe there being two types of dawn before sunrise.
The first of these is called the false dawn and is seen as a vertical light in the sky, but it fades away quickly. This is not the time to start Fajr, and Muslims can eat and drink.
The second is the real dawn, which is also horizontal and is spread across the horizon. This is the real start of Fajr prayer and the beginning of fasting.
In modern times, Muslims no longer have to observe the horizon for the purpose of finding Fajr, as dependable Islamic prayer times can be found in prayer time calculators based on known astronomical techniques and in local mosque timetables. But it’s important to recognize the distinction so one can gain insight into the reason why the Quran has so much to say about the coming of dawn for Muslims.
Is it ok to stop eating at Fajr?
Yes. The Quran and authentic Sunnah indicate that the time for Sehri is to be completed when the time for Fajr starts. When the time of Fajr comes while you are eating, you should stop eating and drinking right away. In the case of Fajr, there is no obligation on the part of the one who performs it to make a further safety distance before Fajr. What is crucial is to follow the real beginning of Fajr, not base it on cultural practices or assumptions.
Some Muslims are worried about stopping at Fajr, as it may break their fast. This is a concern that is often based on misunderstanding, not on Islamic evidence. The decision of allowing the believers to eat as long as there is no dawn is already determined by Allah in the Quran. Obedience to this command, in turn, is an act of obedience.
In online Quran classes, students typically learn the fundamentals of fasting as well as the recitation of the Quran, allowing them to distinguish between the true principles and practices that have become widespread through cultural influences instead of the Quran.
The Sunnah of Delaying Sehri
One of the beautiful Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was to delay the time for Sehri as much as possible until just before daylight. This was a practice that would make it easier for his companions to fast, and it was a way of showing that Islam doesn’t impose needless difficulty on anyone.
Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) reported:
“We used to eat Suhoor with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and then he used to stand for the prayer.”
Anas asked:
“How much time was there between the Adhan and Suhoor?”
Zayd replied:
“It takes about half a day to read out 50 verses of the Quran.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This narration indicates that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not complete Sehri an hour before Fajr nor even 30 minutes before Fajr. Rather, he postponed the meal until near prayer time, but at the same time, he made sure that the fast started on time.
Practical advantages of delaying Sehri are also evident. It is a source of energy at the beginning of the fast, helps to curb hunger throughout the day, and is the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).
What if you are still eating when the adhan starts?
This is the most commonly asked question each Ramadan. If the call of the Adhan was made at the legitimate time of the onset of Fajr, then the answer is “yes” for now.
In the majority of mosques nowadays, the Adhan is called at the first appearance of the Fajr time period. When the Adhan is called and one knows that it is the call of Fajr, then it is obligatory to stop eating and drinking immediately. After the fast has begun, it is not allowed to take further bites or sips.
Best Sehri foods for Health
In Islam, there is no particular list of meats to eat for Sehri, but there are some guidelines for the food that is chosen in terms of being healthy. A balanced meal helps to sustain energy levels and limit fatigue, dehydration, and hunger during the day.
Choose foods with complex carbohydrates that provide a slow-release of energy and will keep you feeling full longer, like oats, whole-grain bread, and brown rice. Foods that are rich in protein, such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, and beans, also help to provide steady energy levels. Fresh fruits are a natural source of sugars, fiber, and essential vitamins, and vegetables offer hydration and essential nutrients.
It is also important to drink sufficient water in the predawn meal. Tea, coffee, or sweetened beverages are often mistaken for water, and many people end up becoming dehydrated. These drinks can be fun, but too much caffeine can cause dehydration throughout the day.
Also, eating dates in accordance with the Sunnah is beneficial. Dates are nutritious and rich in minerals and energy, which is why they are a great choice for Sehri and Iftar. Avoid overeating during Sehri, as heavy meals can make fasting more difficult and may lead to discomfort throughout the day.
Why does learning authentic Islamic knowledge matter?
During Ramadan, Muslims are reminded of the importance of worshipping with knowledge that is truly known. If people don’t go back to the Quran and the Sunnah, small misunderstandings will be accepted as religious obligations.
That’s why it’s vital to get knowledge from expert teachers. A trustworthy online Quran institute should not only carry out the teaching of the Quran to students with the appropriate Tajweed but also the teaching of the basic Islamic rulings in terms of fasting, purification, prayer, and daily acts of worship. Knowing these rulings enables Muslims to practice Islam with confidence and without being misguided due to lack of information.
Knowledge protects worship. The more that a believer learns, the easier it is to differentiate between true teachings and cultural traditions. Learning from qualified Quran teachers also helps Muslims distinguish authentic Islamic teachings from cultural practices. Whether studying Quran recitation, Tajweed, fasting rulings, or daily acts of worship, reliable guidance builds confidence and prevents common misunderstandings. Many students benefit from learning in a structured online Quran academy, where they receive personalized support and authentic Islamic education.
Enhancing your Relationship with the Quran during Ramadan
The Quran is called the Book of God because it was in this blessed month that God gave mankind the last instructions that are to be followed. Fasting is accompanied by Muslims being encouraged to read the Quran more than they do, reflect more than they do, and understand more than they do.
Enrollment in a online Quran learning academy frequently leads to a habit of studying the Quran regularly that carries over beyond Ramadan. Similarly, flexible Quran programs allow children and adults to continue their learning without any hindrances due to their busy schedules. Many Muslims choose to learn Quran online during Ramadan because flexible classes make it easier to stay consistent with recitation and understanding.
Conclusion
There is a clear and easy ruling about the end of Sehri in Islam. Allah allows Muslims to eat and drink until the authentic dawn (when Fajr begins). After the arrival of Fajr, the fasting period has started, and eating and drinking must be avoided. Some people prefer to end a few minutes before, out of personal safety, but forget that this should not be considered a religious duty.
The guidance of the Quran and the authentic Sunnah brings clarity and peace of mind. Muslims can have a more confident and sincere Ramadan if they learn the proper rulings, prevent common misunderstandings, and acquire knowledge from sources that are reliable. O Allah, accept our fasting, our prayers, and our striving to follow Your guidance. Ameen.
FAQs
Q. When is the time I stop to eat Sehri?
When the time of Fajr arrives, one should stop eating as mentioned in Sura Al-Baqarah (2:187).
Q. Is it obligatory to stop 10 minutes before Fajr?
No. It’s not an obligation in the Quran or by the authentic hadith to stop early.
Q. Is it compulsory to perform Sehri before fasting?
No. Your fast is accepted even if you do not eat Sehri, but eating Sehri is a Sunnah, which is highly recommended and blessed.
Q. What was the reason behind the Prophet (ﷺ) postponing Sehri?
He postponed the time for Sehri until near to Fajr, as it is Sunnah, strengthening it for fasting and making it easier than it would be if he delayed it beyond the time allowed.
Q. What is the difference between Imsak and Fajr?
Fajr is the time that fasting starts, as per Islamic rules, and Imsak is a precautionary time included in some calendars. The actual Islamic ruling is based on Fajr time, while Imsak is only a precaution used in some prayer timetables.
Learn Quran from a trusted online Quran teacher
Just knowing the rules of fasting is not enough; it’s the first step to being a “knowledgeable Muslim. All believers should also try to learn the Quran properly, enhance their Tajweed, and acquire their knowledge of Islam from authentic sources.
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