Ramadan fatwas: Must I make a daily intention to fast?

It is better to be cautious and intend to fast the night before every day of Ramadan.

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By Dr Mohammed Aiyada Alkobaisi

Published: Thu 17 May 2018, 1:43 PM

Last updated: Sat 19 May 2018, 8:09 AM

Question: What is the injunction of Shari'ah in the Niyyah (intention) in fasting Ramadan? Is it obligatory in everyday of Ramadan? And do we have to make this intention the night before every day of Ramadan?
Answer: The majority of jurists see that one has to intent to fast the night before every day of Ramadan, and the obligatory fast is not valid without the Niyyah in the night before, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever has not intent to fast the night before the day he want to fast, his fast is not accepted."
Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad (in one of his two narrations) said: It is enough to intent to fast the whole month (of Ramadan) in the first night of it, while Imam Abu Hanifah said: Fasting the month of Ramadan is valid if one intent to fast in any time of the day before the declination of the sun from the meridian.
However, it is better to be cautious and intend to fast the night before every day of Ramadan.
(As said by Dr Mohammed Aiyada Alkobaisi, Grand Mufti, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, Dubai)

Dr Mohammed Aiyada Alkobaisi

Published: Thu 17 May 2018, 1:43 PM

Last updated: Sat 19 May 2018, 8:09 AM

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