❖ A Separate Intention is Required for Each Fast ❖
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori
❀ The Necessity of a Fresh Intention for Each Day of Fasting
Fasting is an act of worship, and like all acts of worship, it requires a specific intention at the start. Therefore, renewing the intention each day is essential, as no act of worship is valid without an intention.
✿ Scholarly Opinions
① Imam al-Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله), Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله), and Ibn al-Mundhir (رحمه الله)
These scholars are of the opinion that a new intention must be made each day for every fast.
② Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله)
According to him, a single intention made for the entire month of Ramadan is also permissible.
[Al-Mughnī: 4/337]
③ Imam al-Shawkānī (رحمه الله)
He held the view that a separate intention should be made for each day.
[Nayl al-Awṭār: 3/163]
④ Imam Ibn Qudāmah (رحمه الله)
Also supported the opinion of making a fresh intention daily.
[Al-Mughnī: 4/337]
⑤ Imam Ibn Ḥazm (رحمه الله)
He stated that for both Ramadan and non-Ramadan fasts, a new intention every night is necessary.
[Al-Muḥallā bil-Āthār: 4/285]
❀ What Is Meant by “Intention”?
◈ It should be clearly understood that intention is simply the resolve of the heart.
[Al-Mughnī: 4/337]
Therefore, no verbal formula or wording is required for making the intention of fasting.
✿ Unsubstantiated Verbal Formula
The often recited phrase:
“وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ“
(“I intend to fast tomorrow from the month of Ramadan”)
This is not proven from any authentic Hadith, and thus should not be practiced as part of the Sunnah.
