Dua for Fast: Today, we will learn why having Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and observing fasting (Roza) is important in Islam. In our religion, Islam, there are five pillars of worship that are obligatory upon every Muslim. Fasting is one of them, which is obligatory for every Muslim, both men and women. While fasting can be both obligatory (Farz) and voluntary (Nafil), Allah Ta’ala has made fasting in the month of Ramadan mandatory.
To keep a fast, we need to have Sehri, which is eaten during the last part of the night. There is no specific dua (supplication) for Sehri and fasting, but intentions (Niyyah) play a crucial role in every action. However, there are some Masnoon (Prophetic) Duas that are commonly recited.
Dua for Fasting (Pre-Dawn Meal) and Keeping Fast
Sehri is a blessed act, so even if one is not feeling hungry, they should still eat something to follow the Sunnah. During Sehri, one should make as many supplications as possible, as it is a time of acceptance of prayers. Therefore, before eating Sehri, one should recite appropriate Duas.
Even if someone is not fasting due to some valid reason, they should join the fasting people in Sehri because it brings blessings. During Sehri, one should also avoid overeating, leaving some space in the stomach so that it does not cause difficulty in worship and makes fasting easier.
Sunnah and Hadith on Sehri
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
✅ “Eat Sehri, for there is blessing in it.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1923, Sahih Muslim: 1095)
✅ Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the meal of Sehri.” (Sahih Muslim: 1096)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah and His angels send mercy upon those who eat Sehri.” (Musnad Ahmad: 11003)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Sehri is full of blessings, so do not skip it, even if you only drink a sip of water.” (Musnad Ahmad: 11396)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Dates are the best Sehri for a believer.” (Sunan Abu Dawood: 2345)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“My Ummah will always remain in goodness as long as they hasten in Iftar and delay Sehri.” (Musnad Ahmad: 11396)
✅ Hazrat Jabir (RA) narrated that:
“Once during Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ invited me to eat Sehri with him and said: ‘Come for the blessed breakfast.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood: 2344)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The food of Sehri is a blessing, so do not abandon it, even if it is just a sip of water.” (Musnad Ahmad: 11396)
✅ The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Three types of people will not be held accountable for how much they eat:
1. A fasting person at the time of Iftar.
2. A person eating Sehri.
3. A warrior who guards the Islamic borders in the way of Allah.” (At-Targheeb Wat-Tarheeb: 2/90)
A person eating Sehri.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Sehri important?
Eating Sehri during Ramadan is very important because it is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
When should Sehri be eaten?
Sehri should be eaten during the last part of the night before Fajr.
What is the Dua for keeping a fast?
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
What should be eaten in Sehri?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Dates are the best Sehri for a believer.” (Sunan Abu Dawood: 2345)