What is the ruling on suhur, and does one sin if he does not eat suhur?

The questioner : This questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, what is the ruling on suhur? We ask for your guidance on this?

The Shaykh : Suhur is a recommended practice (sunnah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, saying, "Eat suhur, for there is a blessing in suhur." He also explained that the fasting of us and the fasting of the People of the Book is distinguished by the suhur. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would eat suhur and delay his suhur, may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him. Accordingly, a person should eat suhur. He should do so to strengthen himself for the fast, to comply with the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and to emulate him in his conduct, may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him. What is suhur? Suhur is eating in the last part of the night, and the later it is, the better. As for what some people do, where they eat in the middle of the night and then sleep, this is not considered suhur. Suhur is eating in the time of sahar, and sahar is the last part of the night. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah bless you.

The questioner : Shaykh Muhammad, does the fasting person sin if he does not eat suhur?

The Shaykh : It is not harmful if you do not eat the pre-dawn meal. Because the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) command regarding it is a command of indication and guidance. However, it is risky in reality. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: meaning that in fasting, more exposure is [involved]. Eating the pre-dawn meal, I fear that that is what I mean by abandoning the prayer.