Is there a special dua for suhoor?

Detailed answer

There is no specific dua for suhoor reported in authentic hadith. You begin with "Bismillah" like any meal and thank Allah with "Alhamdulillah" at the end. The time of suhoor itself, though, is one of the most blessed times for dua, so it is a wonderful moment to ask Allah for what you need.

What about "wa bisawmi ghadin nawaitu"?

The phrase "wa bisawmi ghadin nawaitu min shahri Ramadan" ("I intend to fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan") is a statement of intention that became common in some countries. It is not a dua from the Prophet (peace be upon him). The intention to fast is in the heart: getting up for suhoor because you plan to fast is already an intention. Saying it aloud is not required. See saying the intention out loud and the intention (niyyah) for fasting.

Why suhoor time is special

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that in the last third of every night, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and says: "Who is calling on Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?" (Bukhari and Muslim). Suhoor falls in this time.

The Quran praises believers who "seek forgiveness before dawn" (Al Imran 3:17).

In practice

• Say "Bismillah" and eat with the intention of following the sunnah of suhoor, which holds blessing (Bukhari and Muslim).
• Ask for forgiveness: "Astaghfirullah", or any words of repentance.
• Make dua for whatever is on your heart, in any language.
• If you have time, pray two or more rakats of night prayer before Fajr.
• Finish with "Alhamdulillah" and stop eating in time for Fajr.

Tip

Wake up ten minutes earlier than you need for eating. Those quiet minutes of dua and istighfar before dawn can become the best part of your Ramadan day. At sunset there is a well-known dua; see the dua for breaking the fast.