When Should You Stop Eating Suhoor Before Fajr? Is It Permissible to Eat During the Adhan?
Question: How long before the Fajr adhan should one stop eating suhoor? Is it permissible to eat or drink during the adhan?
Answer: The time for suhoor extends until the Fajr adhan. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to finish suhoor shortly before the adhan, as narrated by Zaid bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him):
"We took the Suhur with the Prophet (ﷺ) . Then he stood for the prayer." I asked, "What was the interval between the Suhur and the Adhan?" He replied, "The interval was sufficient to recite fifty verses of the Qur'an." (Bukhari: 1921).
Hence, it is recommended to follow the Prophet’s practice and finish suhoor a few minutes before the adhan. If one is eating and the adhan begins, they may quickly complete their meal. However, intentionally eating during or after the adhan invalidates the fast.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail