What is the Blessing of Sahoor?
And in the Ashaar they were found asking for forgiveness (Qur’aan 51:18)
When Ramadaan comes the Muslims are eager to take the meal known as Sahoor. It is a famous meal known to Muslims worldwide who call it by different names including Sahoor, Sahar, Sahree and others. It is called Sahoor because it is taken during the Ashaar which is the time before the beginning of Fajr.
Zaid bin Thaabit said, ‘We took the Sahoor with the Prophet. Then he stood for prayer.' Anas asked, ‘What was the interval between the Sahoor and the Adhaan?’ He replied, ‘The interval was sufficient to recite fifty verses of the Qur’aan.’ (saheeh of bukhaari)
Although the Ashaar is considered to be a few hours before the beginning of Fajr, our Prophet (saw) would take Sahoor in its last part, delaying it until only a small interval of time remained between it and Fajr, a time sufficient to recite 50 verses of the Qur’aan.
The Prophet said, ‘The best Sahoor for the believers is dates.’ (sunan of abu dawood)
As for what should be taken for Sahoor then the preference is dates for this is the Sunna and the best Sahoor. However any Halaal food and drink may be taken.
Abu Sa’eed Al Khudree narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Eating Sahoor is blessed. Do not neglect it even if you take a gulp of water.' (musnad of ahmad)
If there isn’t sufficient food or time to take Sahoor for whatever reason then we have been instructed to at least take a gulp of water. This is to ensure that the believers take something for Sahoor and to place emphasis on the fact that the Sahoor should not be neglected.
The Prophet said, ‘Take Sahoor, for verily in Sahoor there is blessing.’ (saheeh of bukhaari)
As for the benefits for taking Sahoor, then we know that it is primarily due to the blessings Allah has placed within it. The benefits are many but the blessing is something distinct. As for the benefits of taking Sahoor close to Fajr, then this helps the fast during the day and it brings ease to the Muslims, especially since breaking the fast at sunset is hastened. This ensures that the duration of the fast is as close as possible to that of the day, defined as the interval between the beginning of dawn and the completion of sunset. However as for the blessing, then this is something specific and a matter from amongst the matters of the unseen.
Abu Sa’eed Al Khudree narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Eating Sahoor is blessed. Do not neglect it even if you take a gulp of water because Allah and His Angels invoke blessings upon those who take Sahoor.’ (musnad of ahmad)
Allah invokes His blessings upon the believers who take Sahoor. This is the blessing we seek. So we arise in the Ashaar and we wipe the traces of sleep from our faces; and we wash; and we prepare the food and dates and the drink which follows; and we gather the people of the house to a blessed meal at a peaceful time before the break of dawn- all the while hoping that Allah Himself is invoking His blessings upon us. Hungry, weak small creatures how humbled are we that Allah Himself is giving us importance and attention through His blessings full of love and affection, and His mercy and forgiveness at a time when He loves to forgive. It is through His love that He blesses us and it is through His blessings that He enriches and forgives us, elevating our ranks before Him and guiding us along His way. What would we do if we saw the blessings descend? What did our Prophet (saw) know when he said, ‘Take Sahoor, for verily in Sahoor there is blessing.’
Kamillah Khan
