Within Ramadan, there are important meals after daylight hours that are known as Suhoor and Iftar. The focus of Ramadan is to fast in daylight hours and follow the commandments of Allah (SWT). This Holy month provides Muslims with opportunities to spiritually grow, connect closer to Allah (SWT) and repent for past sins. These two meals within Ramadan hold meaning and importance for Muslims across the world.
Suhoor and Iftar can be confusing and it's hard to know their exact meaning and significance. Explore what is Iftar in Islam and what is Suhoor in Islam with Emaan Relief and delve into how to correctly observe the fast of Ramadan.
A common question for Ramadan is “What is Iftar in Islam?” which can typically be quite confusing. Iftar is the meal that is enjoyed by Muslims at sunset to break their fast. This meal is a profound moment of gratitude and builds a sense of community. Iftar in Ramadan isn’t only about eating. It is a moment to reflect on blessings and a chance to thank Allah (SWT) for sustenance. The significance of Iftar includes acts of charity as sorting Ramadan Iftar for others is considered a noble deed.
Giving food or water during Iftar is highly rewarded. Simple acts, such as giving a glass of water, can earn Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness and eternal blessings. Therefore, Iftar is both a physical meal and a spiritual act that strengthens bonds in the Muslim community and beyond.
As well as confusion around Iftar, there is the other meal in Ramadan known as Suhoor. So, what is Suhoor in Islam? Well, this is the meal eaten in the morning before dawn. It plays a critical role in preparing the body to deal with a full day of fasting. The Suhoor time can vary as it depends on the season and your geographic location. However, it usually falls within the early morning hours when most people prefer to have extra sleep. With this vital meal, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to partake in Suhoor because it sustains them throughout the fasting hours and prevents the need to break their fast too early.
Suhoor in Ramadan goes beyond nourishment for the day ahead. It actually reflects a spiritual practice too. Eating a balanced and healthy meal during Suhoor ensures that both physical endurance and spiritual discipline can be achieved. Yet, it is important to know that overindulging should be avoided during this vital meal. This is due to the fact that eating too much can lead to discomfort and can trigger cravings later in the day when a believer is fasting.
So, what is the difference between Iftar and Suhoor? Suhoor, which translates to “the last part of the night”, is a nutritional breakfast meal that is eaten before sunrise. Its aim is to provide fuel to Muslims' bodies for a day of fasting where no calories are consumed.
While Iftar in Ramadan, which translates to “breaking the fast”, is the evening meal consumed after dusk. This meal after fasting is traditionally broken with dates and water and is more of a social occasion to spend special time with family and loved ones.
When the sun starts to set, excitement and anticipation for Iftar begins. However, Iftar is also a time to make genuine dua as it’s one of the most blessed times for supplication. It is important for Muslims to raise their hands in dua in the minutes before they break their fast. This is where believers should ask Allah (SWT) to forgive their sins, strengthen faith and provide patience and gratitude. As well as this, Iftar in Ramadan is a time to make dua for others, especially those in desperate need and facing hardship.
The dua for Iftar in Ramadan before breaking your fast is simple but extremely powerful. It is a dua that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would recite which is:
“Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizq-ika-aftartu.”
“O Allah, I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast.”
This dua serves as a wonderful reminder of a believer’s dependency on Allah’s (SWT) provisions and their devotion to Him. When you break your fast, it is pivotal to take a moment to be thankful and seek blessings from Him.
There is also another common dua for Iftar in Ramadan is:
“Dhahaba az-zama’ wabtallat al-urooq wa thabatal-ajr insha Allah.”
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
This dua acknowledges the physical relief from hunger and thirst as well as the spiritual reward that comes with fasting.
When the sun rises, it is time to fuel the body for the fast ahead with nutritious and healthy food. Suhoor occurs before Fajr (morning prayer) and there are a few dua’s and activities to complete during this time. One activity Muslims can do during Suhoor in Ramadan is reading the Quran after the meal. Reading the Quran or making additional duas is key as it’s a moment when your mind and spirit are refreshed and is ready to receive Allah’s (SWT) guidance for the day. Reciting Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255) and the four Quls (last four surahs of the Quran) after Suhoor offers protection and blessings as a believer enters the day of fasting.
Dua for Suhoor in Islam takes place before Fajr arrives and as you close your fast (before the meal). The dua for Suhoor to say when closing the fast is:
“Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan.”
“I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”
This intention (niyyah) confirms a believer’s dedication to the fast which starts with Suhoor and goes into abstaining from food and drink until sunset. It isn’t mandatory to verbalise this intention, but most believers prefer to say it out loud to solidify their commitment to Allah (SWT). Muslims may also use this time to ask Allah (SWT) to accept their Suhoor as a way of worship and to keep them steadfast.
As Ramadan 2025 fast approaches, it is important to remember that the Holy month is a journey of spiritual growth, self-reflection and unwavering devotion. This Ramadan, it is important to think of those who are less fortunate and impoverished, giving to a charity such as Emaan Relief to help transform their lives during this blessed time. Make dua for those in need and donate to provide them with basic necessities and resources to aid their escape from poverty.
Embrace the true essence of fasting and observe Suhoor in Ramadan and Iftar to sustain your body physically while deepening your spiritual connection to Allah (SWT). Simply remember that Suhoor and Iftar are both about faith, generosity and community.
