'Fasting is Mine and it is I who give reward for it'
Saum i.e. the fast begins with Suhur – the pre-dawn meal and ends with Iftaar – the food taken at the dusk. Taking Suhur is Sunnah and though it is not mandatory, Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had advised the Ummah to take the pre-dawn meal i.e. Suhur to begin the fast.