The Sunnah of Suhoor – New York Times is Capturing It’s Unique Beauty Too
From IslamWeb’s page, “Urging Muslims to have Suhoor., he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: (1) Have Suhoor, as indeed there is a blessing in it.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim], and (2) “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the (meal of) Suhoor.” [Muslim]
Moreover, Suhoor helps the Muslim to fast, and it is a blessed act of the Sunnah, so it should not be overlooked.
Having Suhoor early in the middle of the night or one or two hours before dawn is also contrary to the Sunnah. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Hasten to (eating) Iftaar (in Ramadhaan immediately when the time is due), and delay (eating) Suhoor.” [At-Tabaraani] It is an act of the Sunnah to have Suhoor just before dawn (approximately half an hour before it). Anas, May Allaah be pleased with him, he said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and Zayd ibn Thaabit may Allaah be pleased with him had Suhoor. When they finished, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, left for the prayer. Anas may Allaah be pleased with him was asked how much time was there between their finishing Suhoor and entering the prayer; he said: ‘Enough time for the recitation of fifty verses (of the Quran).’” [Al-Bukhaari]
With all the added blessings of following the Sunnah of Suhoor, and filling our bellies in preparation for the day of fast, I was pleasantly surprise to find New York Times article,
Giving Ramadan a Drumroll in Brooklyn at 4 A.M.
This is a definite must-read article. InshaAllah, it will keep your heart beating happily along, as you read and allow yourself to almost hear and feel every beat of the drum; because every answer Brother (or Uncle/Amo) Mohammad Boota shared with the New York “Times reporter, Kirk Semple was full or life, happiness and glee.
Yar Rabb, may we all feel the pleasures, happiness, peace, confidence and strength during the glorious time of the last third of the night, when You are ever so close to the Earth to hear our humble du’a. Ameen.
Obviously, mashaAllah, Amo Mohammad feels this liveliness at 4am . My girls and I feel (with some of his encouragement) the liveliness as we stayed up all night reading, praying and anticipating Layalat-al-Qadr and suhoor.
Do you feel it!? If not, there’s a nice little audio clip of Amo Mohammad and his unique drum rolls in the article as well. So, play it once, twice, three-times or more 
MashaAllah, people marvel when they see me and my girls as we fast all day; yet we have so much energy and joy leading us through what some may feel is a hardship (especially my non-Muslim family). But, over the years they’ve learned to appreciate that we’re doing so much more than fasting–we’re remembering Allah and fulfilling our days with Qur’an, charity work, kind deeds and other fun activities.
We pray during each sujood that we maintain steadfastness, and that all our brothers and sisters reach a sense of fulfillment in our lives; especially now in our blessed month of Ramadan. Ramadan should never be seen as a burden, but as a pure pleasure, gift and blessing that is willfully obliged upon us.
We’d like to make a special prayer for our beloved Sabra family in Gaza, who is ever-so-far in touch, but ever-so-close in mind. Reading this joyful article, and hearing Amo Mohammad’s accent and playful drums, reminded us of our most glorious Ramadan spent in Gaza. May staying up these last 10 days of Ramadan be as effortless and pleasurable as being with you back home. We miss you all dearly and keep you in our du’a. Yar Rabb, may You accept all our fasts, charitable work, pure intentions, good deeds, and humble du’a. Ameen.
Please share your thoughts, feelings, hardships, excitement, etc. about suhoor, waking up for it, staying up for it, enjoying it, below.
Similar Posts:
- Sunnah of Zakat al-Fitr
- Reflections for Ramadan and Eid 2011 Muslim Blogpost Series
- Why Debate When We Have the Qur’an and Sunnah to Lead Us?
- Tips to Celebrating the Full 3 Days of Eid
- How to Cleanse for Eid Prayer
Category: Islam
