Does Missing the Pre-Dawn Meal Invalidate the Fast?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Assalamu alaykum

I missed the pre-dawn (sahur) meal today. Is my fast valid?

Answer:  Walaikum assalam,

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.

Yes, fasting without the pre-dawn (sahur) meal is valid—and remains obligatory. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

The pre-dawn meal is a recommended sunna. It is highly encouraged, but isn’t a condition for the validity of the fast. [ibid.]

See: The Complete Guide to Fasting and Ramadan – SeekersGuidance Answers

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a scholar and researcher of Islamic law and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance Global After ten years overseas, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in the Summer of 2007. In May 2008 he founded SeekersGuidance Global to deal with the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge—both online and on the ground—in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He has been repeatedly listed as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims (The Muslim500).