The Significance of Suhoor: Following the Sunnah and Nourishing the Body
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Frequently, we hear our friends and siblings confessing their dislike for consuming Suhoor before commencing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Repeatedly, we lack convincing justifications for our aversion to eating Suhoor. Instead, we resort to claiming that waking up at dawn to eat is too strenuous and stressful, or that we are not hungry. However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised us to eat Suhoor due to its importance. In today's blog, we will delve into the substantial benefits of eating Suhoor.
Undoubtedly, it is widely acknowledged that the human body functions at its best when adequately fueled with food. Depriving our body of this vital meal before commencing our daily fast during Ramadan would lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients needed for optimal performance. Hence, consuming Suhoor provides our body with the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers to fuel us throughout the fasting hours. In simpler terms, eating Suhoor enables us to avoid hunger pangs during the day.
In addition to consuming food during Suhoor, it is crucial to drink adequate water. Without sufficient water, consuming food during Suhoor is equivalent to consuming nothing because the body requires water for digestion and hydration. As a result, we cause our body to suffer dehydration, resulting in headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, and other related symptoms. Therefore, consuming water and other hydrating fluids during Suhoor not only helps the body function effectively throughout the day but also makes fasting stress-free.
However, caffeinated drinks should be avoided since they can lead to swift dehydration. Here is why, caffeine is a diuretic substance, which means it can increase urine production and decrease the fluid flow rate in your body. So, avoid caffeinated drinks as much as possible and try natural alternatives such as warm lemon water, normal water, coconut water, etc. Again, try to avoid sugary, salty, and oily foods during Suhoor as they require lots of water to be digested.
Furthermore, consuming Suhoor is one of the most significant Sunnahs of our beloved Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. Besides making us feel comfortable during the long hours of fasting, eating Suhoor is an excellent way to follow in the footsteps of the established Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. According to Anas (RA), Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to eat their suhoor meal as it is blessed. Another Hadith as narrated by Amr ibn Al-as (RA), states that the distinguishing factor between the fasting of Muslims and the fasting of people in earlier revelations is the “suhoor meal.” Therefore, if we feel the need to eat during iftar, we should also prioritize eating Suhoor. It is a way to connect with our faith and honor the teachings of our beloved Prophet.
Indeed, some people may not experience the negative health impacts of skipping Suhoor. However, practicing the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad is an excellent way to demonstrate one's commitment to their faith. Additionally, if someone still chooses not to consume Suhoor, it is recommended that they drink water to stay hydrated during the fasting hours. By doing so, they can still receive the reward of following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
To sum up, consuming Suhoor during the month of Ramadan is crucial as it provides the body with the necessary fuel to endure long fasting hours. Additionally, it is an excellent way to practice the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and maintain a positive health outcome. Therefore, it is highly recommended to eat Suhoor and receive the blessings associated with it. Let us make an effort to follow this important practice and make the most out of this blessed month of Ramadan.
Ramadan Series 6/30
Jazakhallah khair
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