All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Having the pre-dawn meal is a confirmed recommended act and not an obligation, whether the fast is optional or obligatory, and whether this is during Ramadan or else. If a person fasts without having the pre-dawn meal, his fasting is correct and acceptable but he deprives himself form much good.

Imaam Ibn Al-Munthir reported that there is a consensus among the scholars that having the pre-dawn meal is only desirable.

For more benefit on desirable acts when fasting, please refer to Fatwa 86920.

Allaah Knows best.