Importance of Sahars of Ramadan
According to Hadiths, one who gets up during Sahar and without talking to anyone makes Wudu (ablution) and says two Raka’ats of prayer, two lines of angels start praying behind him or her.
It is Mustahab (recommended) that one who wants to fast get up in Sahar and eat something, even if it is only a date. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as saying that having Suhur (a meal eaten in Sahar) brings blessings. It has also narrated from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that “My Ummah never abandon eating Suhur, even if it is a date”. In another Hadith, we read: “Make sure to have Suhur, even if it is a sip of water”.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also said: “By having Suhur, strengthen your body for fasting and by sleeping in the middle of the day, strengthen yourself (get prepared) for staying awake at night for prayer”.
It has been narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that the best time for praying to God is Sahar, as God says, “And in the hour of early dawn, they (were found) praying for Forgiveness.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 18)
Also, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) told Imam Ali (AS): “Oh Ali! (Stay awake and) say prayers part of the night even if it takes as long as it takes one to milk a sheep. And pray to God at Sahar because at that time your prayer (will certainly be accepted) as God says: “… and (those) who ask forgiveness at dawn.” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 17)
Main Supplications for Sahars of Ramadan
It has been narrated in a Hadith that every night at Sahar and before dawn, the gates of paradise are opened and breezes of mercy start blowing.
There are many supplications for the Sahars of the holy month of Ramadan that have reached us from the Infallible (AS), a major one of which is the Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali that has been narrated from Imam Sajjad (AS). There is also a supplication titled Saree-ul-Ijabah (Readily Granted Supplication) from Imam Baqir (AS), which is considered as a treasure of divine teachings.
The virtue and importance of the Nafila (Nafl) prayer on the nights of Ramadan have also been emphasized in Hadiths. It has been recommended that one does not leave saying Nafila prayers as long as possible. The best time for saying Nafila prayers is the last one-third of the night (before dawn) and it includes two Raka’ats. In some Hadiths it has been narrated that the Night Nafila has 11 Rak’a’ats, and is said in the form of 5 two-Raka’at and a one-Raka’at prayer.
