“Whoever intends to fast, let him partake of the pre-dawn meal with something.” Mūsā said: “Even if with a small thing.”

Narrated by Aḥmad (no. 15051), Abū Yaʿlā al-Mawṣilī (no. 1930), and Ibn Abī Shaybah (no. 8916), from the narration of Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him).
Authenticated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (no. 6005) and Silsilat al-Aḥādīth al-Ṣaḥīḥah (no. 2309).

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

Fasting is a great act of worship, and one of the greatest aids to it is suḥūr (the pre-dawn meal). It is a confirmed Sunnah that the Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – urged and encouraged, even if it be with a little, such as a mere sip of water, as authentically reported from him – peace be upon him. For it contains opposition to the People of the Book – for they do not partake in suḥūr – and because of the goodness and blessing it holds. Among its blessings are: complying with the command of the Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – strengthening oneself thereby for fasting, seizing the time of saḥar with remembrance, supplication, and seeking forgiveness, and perhaps with prayer. For this reason, suḥūr is one of the Sunnahs that a Muslim ought to be keen upon, even if with only a small amount.
In the ḥadīth is an affirmation of the legitimacy of suḥūr, even if with a small amount, and a clarification of its virtue in opposing the People of the Book, strengthening the fasting person for worship, attaining the reward of following the Sunnah, and manifesting a symbol from among the symbols of Islam.