The Ramadan Fasting Intention
Intention is an essential pillar of fasting. Without it, the fast is invalid even if a person abstains from hunger and thirst all day. Here is the commonly taught Ramadan fasting intention:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shouma ghodin ‘an adaa’i fardhi syahri romadhoona hadzihis sanati lillahi ta’ala. Meaning: “I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of Ramadan this year, for Allah the Almighty.”
When to Make the Intention
According to fiqh, the Ramadan fasting intention is made at night, from sunset (Maghrib) until before dawn (Fajr). The Prophet SAW said that whoever has not made the intention at night before dawn has no fast (narrated by Ad-Daruquthni and Al-Baihaqi).
In Indonesia, the most common time is after Tarawih prayers, when the imam usually leads the congregation in reciting the intention together. The deadline is at suhoor, before the Fajr adhan. Note that the imsak siren (about 10 minutes before Fajr) is only a precautionary marker, not the deadline for the intention.
Intention for the Whole Month
Some scholars of the Maliki school permit making the fasting intention for the entire month on the first night of Ramadan, as a safeguard in case one forgets the nightly intention. Its wording: “Nawaitu shouma syahri romadhoona kullihi lillaahi ta’aala” (I intend to fast the whole month of Ramadan, for Allah the Almighty).
Still, most scholars recommend renewing the intention every night as a precaution in performing this obligatory worship. The true place of intention is in the heart; voicing it is recommended to strengthen one's resolve.
How to Fast in Ramadan
After making the intention, the fast begins with suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, which is recommended and full of blessing. From dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), Muslims abstain from food, drink, and everything that nullifies the fast.
When Maghrib arrives, it is recommended to hasten breaking the fast. The Prophet SAW taught the iftar supplication: “Dzahaba zhama’u wabtallatil ‘uruuqu wa tsabata ajru in syaa’ Allah” — “Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, God willing.”
