During Ramadhan, many people feel tempted to skip Suhoor simply out of tiredness or laziness. However, missing this important pre-dawn meal means losing out on essential nutrients that help the body endure the long hours of fasting throughout the day.
During the holy month, daily routines change significantly, especially the timing and number of meals. Suhoor, eaten before sunrise, plays a crucial role in preparing the body for the day’s fast. A healthy Suhoor provides the energy and nutrients required to sustain the body during fasting hours, helping maintain vitality and concentration.
The importance of Suhoor lies in its ability to fuel the body and maintain hydration levels. Nutrition experts emphasise that a balanced Suhoor meal can reduce fatigue, dizziness and headaches that some people experience while fasting. Skipping the meal, on the other hand, may make the fasting hours feel longer and more physically demanding.
Health specialists note that the choice of food at Suhoor is equally important. Many fasting individuals look for meals that keep them feeling full for longer and help reduce thirst throughout the day. Experts recommend including proteins, complex carbohydrates and adequate fluids in the meal to provide sustained energy during the fasting hours.
The Ministry of Health also advises delaying Suhoor until closer to the dawn prayer, explaining that this helps avoid fasting for excessively long periods. When the gap between meals becomes too long — exceeding 16 hours — the body may experience fatigue and other health challenges. Delaying Suhoor therefore allows the body to better manage hunger and thirst during the day.
At the same time, nutritionists advise avoiding foods that are overly fatty or salty, as these can increase thirst while fasting. Drinking sufficient water and including fibre-rich foods can also help the body stay hydrated and energised.
Beyond its nutritional value, Suhoor carries a special spiritual and social significance during Ramadhan. The quiet moments before dawn offer time for reflection and prayer, adding a deeper dimension to the meal. In many households, family members gather around the table together, sharing conversations and preparing for the day’s fast before the call to the dawn prayer.
In this way, Suhoor becomes more than just a meal — it is a moment that blends health, spirituality and family bonding, making it one of the most cherished traditions of Ramadhan nights.
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