Optimal Suhoor that reduces the feeling of thirst and prevents dehydration

09/07/2012| IslamWeb

Question
Assalaamu ‘Alaykum. What are the foods and beverages that should be consumed during the Suhoor [pre-dawn meal] to minimize the feeling of thirst while fasting? I know that yogurt and cucumber reduce the feeling of thirst while fasting, what else?

Answer
In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Ever-Merciful
Dear sister,
Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah The Exalted be upon you,
Suhoor is a blessing; the Prophet said: “Have Suhoor; indeed, there is a blessing in Suhoor.”
The Prophet commanded Muslims to have the Suhoor meal as this decreases the feelings of hunger and thirst, regardless of the quantity or type of food. The Prophet praised eating dates for Suhoor. He said: “How excellent are dates as the believer's Suhoor!”
The Prophet also said: “Suhoor is a blessed meal; so do not leave it, even if one of you were to take a sip of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for the one who consumes Suhoor.”
The Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) in having Suhoor is to delay the pre-dawn meal until just before the Fajr Prayer as the Prophet used to do so.
However, there are some general important tips concerning Suhoor. The pre-dawn meal should be light and low in fat. One should not sleep immediately after eating Suhoor.
As for warding off thirst while fasting, you should avoid salty and spicy foods, especially at Suhoor, because they increase the feeling of thirst. Meals and foods containing a large proportion of spices and condiments are not suitable for Suhoor. It is better to avoid preserved foods or fast food. You should drink adequate amounts of water, without overdoing it. In general, eating fresh foods, especially fruits and vegetables, drinking juice, milk, and eating salads, help one to have a good healthy pre-dawn meal and endure a day of fasting, Allah willing.
In brief, Suhoor should be delayed, you should eat dates, drink water and milk, consume salads and fresh food, such as fruits and vegetables and avoid fats, salt, spices and condiments as well as canned foods.
May Allah grant us success.