SUNNAH SUHOOR.

Assalamuwalaikum wrwb.

Sehri also called as Suhoor is the meal taken before Fajr/dawn.

Benefits of Suhoor.

Prophet Muhammad SAWS said "Eat Sehri , because in it lie great blessings." (Bukhari & Muslim)

• Through Sehri , we differentiate ourselves from the Ahlul-Kitaab.(Jews and Christians)
• Sehri meal provides strength for the day.
• It promotes greater sincerity in "Ibadah".
• Having Sehri , Sunnah is followed.
• Avoids bad temper which is a result of hunger usually.
• We get the opportunity to do dua and dhikr during this time.

Fasting has been ordained for us in order to develop Taqwa , while medically speaking it does have a detoxification/purification effect on the body.It is not meant to weaken the body and induce the process of protein breakdown that occurs with long periods of starvation , which is prevented by having suhoor as it moderates or lessens the time that the body is without the food.

Time to have Suhoor-

Prophet saws said that the sehri should be delayed as much as possible whilst the iftaar should be opened immediately once the time sets in. Hence, the latest time is better and greater in reward to eat sehri making sure not to eat once the fajr time has set in.

Food to eat during Suhoor-

"A healthy sunnah suhoor is a healthy mind set".

Abandon the fried foods , left-over samosas, and choose the sunnah in a simple and nutritional suhoor having an odd number of dates and a glass of milk with a light healthy meal if needed.

It is narrated by Abu Huraira that the Prophet saws said," The best suhoor for the believer is dates".

(Abu-Dawood)

"And Indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits,and from them you eat." (Quran 23:21)

Packed with iron, potassium, vitamins A,B and K, glucose, fiber , calcium ,etc there is no wonder that our beloved Prophet saws recommended it.

The right meal during Suhoor will help you be energetic in your fast through out the day.

It has to be a necessary combination of carbohydrates,proteins,fats and water.

Carbohydrates-

Good carbs give you the right energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and easily used by the body for energy but can play with the sugar/glucose levels if the wrong type of carbohydrates are used.

Avoid Simple Carbohydrates.

It is advisable that their consumption be limited to small quantities. 

Go for Complex Carbohydrates.

These are rich in fiber,vitamins and minerals. They take a longer time to digest and they don't fluctuate the sugar levels. They act as body's long term fuel.

Proteins-

Proteins maintain body strength , prevent starvation and keep you full.

Proteins are very important as they prevent excessive breakdown of muscle during the fast.

If one doesn't consume sufficient protein for suhoor then it will manifest in a feeling of weakness and neither will you be able to do any physical work, but also feel lazy in doing ibadah like praying or reading Quran.

Fats-

Did you know that your brain is about 60% fat? The good fats you eat strongly influence your level of brain function.

Not having enough fats in your Suhoor meal can lead to depression,poor sleep, lack of concentration,fatigue and allergies.

Please note that I mentioned good saturated fats. I am totally not talking about samosas deep fried in oils,or other junk foods. These fatty acids can cause serious health problems.

Water-

Nobody has to acclaim the benefits of water, which is essential for survival and should be consumed in the Suhoor meal in moderate quantity to prevent dehydration.

Best foods during Suhoor-

• low gi brown rice, whole grain breads
• low gi fruits like apples, strawberries,banana,etc
• some protein in the form of eggs,meat,beans,etc
• fat from butter,nuts or meat
• soups
• dates
• water

Prophet saws said "In three things , are great blessings, In Jama'ah, in eating Thareed, and in Suhoor."

Thareed is a soup mixture with meat and barley bread or a mixture of dates and barley bread.

It is the perfect combination of low gi bread containing complex carbohydrates as well as high fiber content, and meat which is rich in proteins and fats provides a power sunnah suhoor.

Dates although a high GI fruit, they are an exemption as they are unique and no other fruit can come close in terms of nutritional value. 75-85% of date being glucose and fructose while it also contains proteins, fats, vitamins such as Vitamin A,B1,B12 and minerals including calcium, phosphate,potassium, sulfur, sodium,magnesium,cobalt,zinc,fluorine,copper,manganese, and a good amount of cellulose fiber.

(GI- Glycemic Index is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels.)

May Allah swt make our fasts easy upon us , accept all our fasts and reward us.

InshaAllah Ameen

Have a Healthy and Blessed Ramadan!

-Hafsa Mohd.

Dietician & Nutritionist.