“Sari” is a popular word among Yoruba Muslims which simply means pre-dawn meal or the last meal Muslims take before the sun rises and the day of fasting begins. The Arabic pronunciation of it is Sahur, which I would be using in the course of the discourse. Eating the pre-dawn meal is one of the basic requirements of fasting in Islam. Muslims are expected to wake up as early as 4am for the purpose of eating Sari. Some even wake up earlier than 4am so as to prepare the meal to be eaten to commence the fast of the day.
Eating Sahur is very important. It helps Muslims observe fast to make sure they eat enough to ensure that they have sustained energy for the day ahead, especially for those who are still working during Ramadan. Many times, the non-Muslims usually mock the Muslims because their fast is not that difficult to observe because they eat early in the morning which should serve as breakfast. What must be understood is that Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan to serve Allah. So, everything they do in the holy month, including the eating of Sahur is done in compliance with Allah’s decree and how the prophet observed it. there is nothing done out of self volition.
Its timing has been defined by the Almighty in the Holy Qur’an; Surah Baqarah 2: 187: ”… and eat and drink till the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night, at dawn”. Prophet Muhammed while educating Muslims on the importance of waking up for Sahur and making the intention of fasting said:” Whoever does not have the intention of fasting before Fajr, there is no fast for him.” So, if you want your fasting to be valid, you will have to wake up and make the intention. The prophet also said in one of his sayings that: ’Eat sahur, for in Sahur there is blessing.’
Beyond waking up for Sahur every night of Ramadan, there are lots of benefits Muslims are meant to enjoy by exploring the night to the fullest. That period of the night is the most potent as Allah descends to the closest layer of heavens to the earth. Muslim use this period to make supplications to God as well as seek His blessings.
Many Muslims would even prefer not to wake up to eat Sahur because how unpleasant it is, waking up at that time of the day when sleeping is mostly enjoyable. But understanding the wisdom behind it and the rewards therein won’t let you want to miss it.
One of the blessings attached to waking up for Sahur is that you have obeyed Allah and his prophet. In return, you will receive Allah’s and the angels’ prayers. The Prophet said in a hadith: The prayers of Allah mean that He mentions your name amongst the highest gatherings. And the Angels’ prayers mean that they ask for istighfar (forgiveness) from Allah on your behalf. Imagine, Allah mentioning your name and the Angels asking for istighfar for you just because you woke up for Sahur while everyone else is sleeping. That is a really big blessing and an opportunity that no one should ever miss!
Waking up for Sahur as said earlier is essential in order to make the intention of fasting, as the prophet said:” Whoever does not have the intention of fasting before Fajr (morning Prayer), there is no fast for him.” So, if you want your fasting to be valid, you will have to wake up and make the intention. If you do not feel hungry, just drink some water and eat dates or fruits. It is very important to follow this sunnah as it has blessings.
Notable among the many benefits of waking up for Sahur are that it distinguishes the way Muslims fast from that of the Christians and the Jews, it helps strengthen fasting Muslims for worship, it repels bad characteristics that are usually caused by hunger, it gives room for Muslims to engage in charity by providing pre-dawn meal for fellow Muslims. As well as creating opportunities for Muslims to make supplications (Dhikr and Du’a) at a blessed time.
Fasting Muslims are hereby advised on how best to prepare and get the needed energy to wake up for Sahur. Below are the basic tips they need to observe:
(1) Sleep as early as you can, after you finish your prayers and the recitation of the Quran.
(2) Set up your alarm and if you are worried that you will not hear it, ask someone of your family or friends to call you and wake you up.
(3) Prepare your meal before you sleep: knowing that your meal is ready will motivate you to get up from bed and it will be easier for you, as you will not have to worry about what to prepare when you are still half asleep.
(4) Before sleeping, ask Allah to give you the energy and strength to wake up for Sari and have the right intention.
Eating Sari is indeed a blessed sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) which we must not neglect. May Allah accept every Ibadah held during this period of Ramadan! Ameen.
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