Can I drink coffee at suhoor?

Detailed answer

Yes. Coffee is halal, and you can drink it at suhoor like any other drink, as long as you finish before the time of Fajr. The only question is a practical one: how much caffeine helps you through the day, and how much makes the fast harder.

The religious side

The fasting day begins at dawn. Allah says: "eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread of night" (Al-Baqarah 2:187). Anything halal can be eaten or drunk before that point, including coffee and tea. See when to stop eating at suhoor.

The health side

• Thirst: caffeine has a mild effect on how much you urinate. A cup is fine for most people, but several strong cups can leave you thirstier.
• Headaches: if you usually drink a lot of coffee, missing your daytime cups can cause caffeine-withdrawal headaches, especially in the first days of Ramadan. See avoiding headaches while fasting.
• Sleep: coffee at suhoor can make it hard to sleep again after Fajr.
• Stomach: strong coffee on an empty stomach can cause acidity for some people.

In practice

• One cup is usually enough. Drink it with your meal, not instead of it.
• Add water. Have a glass or two of water at suhoor as well. See how much water to drink.
• Cut down before Ramadan. Reducing your coffee gradually in the weeks before Ramadan makes the first fasts much easier.
• Choose timing wisely. Some people prefer their main coffee after iftar, but not too late if it keeps them awake.
• Watch the extras. Very sweet coffee drinks give a sugar spike and crash later in the morning.

What about tea?

The same applies to tea, energy drinks and cola: allowed before Fajr, best in moderation.

If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or another health issue, follow your doctor's advice about caffeine, ideally a doctor who understands fasting.