❖ Authentic Islamic Guidance on Making Intention for Fasting ❖
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
Many people have become accustomed to reciting specific phrases at the time of beginning their fast, such as:
"نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا"
“I intend to fast tomorrow.”
"وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ"
“And I have made the intention to fast tomorrow from the month of Ramadan.”
However, it is important to understand that neither the Prophet ﷺ, nor the Companions, Tābiʿīn, Tabaʿ Tābiʿīn, the four Imams, nor any Muḥaddith or jurist ever reported or prescribed these phrases.
You will not find these words in any authentic Islamic text for the past fourteen centuries.
These phrases were introduced in later generations and unfortunately, some people have started considering them a necessary part of religion. However, introducing new practices in religion is known as bidʿah (innovation), which the Prophet ﷺ strictly warned against.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 2697, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1718)
Translation:
“Whoever introduces something into this religion of ours which is not part of it — it will be rejected.”
In Islam, niyyah (intention) is an action of the heart, not the tongue.
There is no requirement to utter any specific words verbally.
The Prophet ﷺ never taught any specific duʿā or phrase for making the intention for fasting.
It is sufficient to simply have the firm resolve in one’s heart, such as:
“I am fasting tomorrow for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.”
That is enough and fully in accordance with the Sunnah.
Those who introduce unverified phrases and practices into the religion are committing a serious error.
We are required to follow the authentic Sunnah and preserve the religion as it was revealed.
We all must strive to preserve the pure form of Islam and educate others about the correct practices.
The religion of Islam is complete, and we must avoid innovations at all costs.
May Allah ﷻ grant us all the ability to adhere to the Sunnah and avoid all innovations.
Āmīn
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
✿ The Concept of Niyyah (Intention) for Fasting and the Misuse of Specific Phrases
Many people have become accustomed to reciting specific phrases at the time of beginning their fast, such as:
"نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا"
“I intend to fast tomorrow.”
"وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ"
“And I have made the intention to fast tomorrow from the month of Ramadan.”
However, it is important to understand that neither the Prophet ﷺ, nor the Companions, Tābiʿīn, Tabaʿ Tābiʿīn, the four Imams, nor any Muḥaddith or jurist ever reported or prescribed these phrases.
You will not find these words in any authentic Islamic text for the past fourteen centuries.
These Phrases Are Not Part of the Religion
These phrases were introduced in later generations and unfortunately, some people have started considering them a necessary part of religion. However, introducing new practices in religion is known as bidʿah (innovation), which the Prophet ﷺ strictly warned against.
The Prophet ﷺ said:"مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 2697, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1718)
Translation:
“Whoever introduces something into this religion of ours which is not part of it — it will be rejected.”
✔ What is the Correct Way to Intend for Fasting?
In Islam, niyyah (intention) is an action of the heart, not the tongue.
There is no requirement to utter any specific words verbally.
The Prophet ﷺ never taught any specific duʿā or phrase for making the intention for fasting.
It is sufficient to simply have the firm resolve in one’s heart, such as:
“I am fasting tomorrow for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.”
That is enough and fully in accordance with the Sunnah.
✘ Adopting Unauthentic Phrases is a Serious Mistake
Those who introduce unverified phrases and practices into the religion are committing a serious error.
We are required to follow the authentic Sunnah and preserve the religion as it was revealed.
A Responsibility for the Muslim Ummah
We all must strive to preserve the pure form of Islam and educate others about the correct practices.
The religion of Islam is complete, and we must avoid innovations at all costs.
May Allah reward you
May Allah ﷻ grant us all the ability to adhere to the Sunnah and avoid all innovations.
Āmīn
