Ramadan fasting is one of the mandatory worship orders to eligible Muslims. Fasting is not simply refraining from eating, drinking, and things that cancel fasting, but more than that, fasting is an attempt to draw closer to Allah.

In the implementation of fasting, intention has a very important place. Without the right intention, one's fasting would not be valid.

Therefore, it is important to understand more deeply about the intentions of Ramadan fasting, both in terms of meaning, meaning, ordinance, to the correct reading of intentions. This article will describe all aspects related to the intention of Ramadan fasting so that the worship we perform can be accepted by Allah and performed solemnly.

What Are Fasting Intentions?

The intention of fasting is the determination in the heart that is made before beginning the fasting worship. This intention is a form of sincerity and readiness of a Muslim to observe fasting wholeheartedly because of Allah SWT.

In general, intention in worship is an act of the heart that distinguishes between deeds done for worship and ordinary deeds. In the context of fasting, intention becomes very important because without intention, fasting worship becomes invalid.

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In a hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Charity depends on its intention, and everyone gets only what he is instructed to do.” (MR. Bukhari and Muslim)

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This hadith emphasizes that intention is the main legal condition of any charity of worship. In the case of fasting, intentions do not need to be spoken aloud, but rather simply in the heart. However, pronouncing it verbally can help a person be more focused and conscious in carrying out those intentions.

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The Quran also emphasizes the importance of fasting as one of the pillars of Islam. In QS. Al-Baqarah: 183, Allah says:

“O you who believe, it is required of you to fast, just as it is required of those before you, that you may be pious.”

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This verse indicates that fasting has a noble purpose, which is to form a godly person. Therefore, a sincere intention in performing the fast becomes the foundation for this worship to be performed well.

Meaning of Ramadan Fasting Intentions

Linguistically, intention means intent or purpose. In the context of fasting worship, intention means full awareness to perform fasting with the aim of obtaining the ridha of Allah SWT. The meaning of intention in fasting is not merely a formalism, but reflects the sincerity and sincerity of heart in the practice of worship.

With the right intention, our fasting can be counted as a form of obedience received on the side of God.

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In another hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever does not intend to fast before dawn is not lawful to fast.” (MR. NASA)

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This hadith explains how important intention is in fasting. The intention must be made before dawn because it is the beginning marker of the implementation of fasting worship on the day.

Without the intention done in a timely manner, one's fasting will not be valid even if he refrains from things that cancel the fast.

Ramadan Fasting Intentions Reading

Here is the reading of the intention of Ramadan fasting in Arabic and its meaning:

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“Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an adâ'i fardhi syahri Ramaḍhân hâdzihis art lillâhi ta'âlâ.”  

Meaning: I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the fardhu in Ramadan this year because of Allah Ta'ala.

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This intention reading is recommended to be pronounced in the evening before entering the time of dawn. Although the actual intention is quite deep in the heart, reciting it can strengthen our resolve and awareness in carrying out the fast.

By pronouncing intentions, we are more focused and mentally prepared to carry out fasting worship.

Rules for Intending Ramadan Fasting

To ensure that our intentions are correct, there are several ordinances that must be observed in intending Ramadan fasting. Here are the steps that need to be followed:

1. Time of Intention

Intention must be made before the onset of dawn, that is, in the evening before the fasting day begins. Some scholars suggest the intention is done after the Isiah prayer, but more commonly done is before bedtime or shortly before dawn arrives.

2. Place of Intention

Intention can be carried out anywhere, whether at home, mosque, or any other place. There are no special provisions regarding the place of intending, as long as it is in a holy and serene state.

3. Ways of Intention

Intention must be done in the heart, with full awareness. Although intentions are not required to be spoken, verbally speaking intentions can help focus and strengthen resolve in worship.

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The Law of Reading Fasting Intentions

By law, oral recitation of intentions is sunnah muakkad, meaning it is highly recommended. However, if a person forgets to recite his intention, his fast remains valid as long as the intention has been present in the heart before dawn.

In worship, intention is the practice of the heart, not mere words. Therefore, the most important thing is a sincere and sincere intention to fast for Allah's sake.

The intention of fasting for a full month of Ramadan

Some scholars allow fasting intentions for a full month at the beginning of Ramadan. This is meant to make it easier for those who may forget to intend every night. Here is a reading of fasting intentions for the whole month:

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“Nawaitu shauma jami'i syahri Ramaḍhân hâdzihis art fardhan lillâhi ta'âlâ.”  

Meaning: I intend to fast throughout Ramadan this year as a fardhu because of Allah Ta'ala.

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However, although this intention is valid, most scholars still advocate intending every night as a form of prudence and submission to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Qadha Fasting Intentions

Those who cannot fulfill the Ramadan fast due to certain reasons, such as illness or on a long journey (travelers), are obliged to replace or perform the fast on another day. The reading of the intention of the qadha fast is:

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“Nawaitu qadha'a shaumi fardhi syahri Ramaḍhân allādhi farata 'anni lillâhi ta'âlâ.”  

Meaning: I intend to do the fasting of the month of Ramadan which I have abandoned because of Allah Ta'ala.

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Qadha fasting is done after the end of Ramadan and should be carried out immediately before the coming of the next Ramadan.

Sunnah Fasting Intentions

In addition to the obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadan, there are also sunnah fasts that are highly recommended, such as Monday-Thursday fasting, Ayyamul Bidh fasting, and Shawal fasting. The intention of the Sunnah fasting is basically the same as the intention of Ramadan fasting, only it differs in the sentence explaining the type of fasting. For example, for the Monday-Thursday sunnah fast:

“Nawaitu shauma yaumi al-itsnaini sunnatan lillâhi ta'âlâ.”  

Meaning: I intend to fast the Sunnah on Monday because of Allah Ta'ala.

Legal Terms of Fasting

In order for the fasting to be carried out to be valid on the side of Allah SWT, there are several conditions that must be fulfilled, namely:

1. Islam: Only people who are Islamic are obliged to practice fasting.
2. Baligh: Fasting is only mandatory for those who have reached the age of baligh or adulthood in Sharia.
3. Common Sense: People who are insane or lose consciousness are not required to fast.
4. Capable: Fasting is mandatory for those who are physically able. People who are seriously ill and do not allow to fast are allowed not to fast.
5. Not in Safar: Travelers or people who are on a long journey are allowed to abstain from fasting and replace it on another day.
6. No Menstruation or Postpartum: Women who are menstruating or postpartum are not allowed to fast and are obliged to replace them on another day.

The Wisdom of Ramadan Fasting

Fasting in the month of Ramadan has great wisdom. In addition to being obligatory worship, fasting teaches spiritual values, such as:

1. Increasing Dignity: Fasting trains a Muslim to draw closer to Allah (SWT), as stated in the Quran, “That you may be pious.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 183)
2. Practicing Patience: By restraining hunger, thirst, and lust, a Muslim is trained to be more patient in the face of life's various trials.
3. Increases Sense of Empathy: When fasting, a Muslim feels what it is like not to eat and drink, thus increasing empathy towards those who are less able.
4. Cleansing the Soul: In addition to cleansing the body of toxins, fasting also cleanses the soul of bad traits such as greed, anger, and arrogance.

Correct Fasting Procedures

Here are some of the ordinances to perform the correct Ramadan fast in order to make the worship more perfect:

1. Passing Sahur: Eating sahur is done before dawn until dawn as a source of energy for fasting.
2. Keeping Intentions: Be sure to intend every night before fasting begins. Intention is part of the fasting union.
3. Keeping Word and Behavior: During fasting, a Muslim not only withholds hunger and thirst, but must also keep his words and behavior in order not to do things that are forbidden.
4. Moving Iftar: Break the fast immediately after sunset with snacks such as dates, in accordance with the Prophet's sunnah.

Tips for Running Fasting Smoothly

To ensure that fasting goes smoothly and the body stays in shape, here are some tips that can be done:

1. Drink more water during Sahur and Iftar: To keep the body hydrated, it is important to drink enough water during Sahur and Iftar.
2. Consume Nutritious Foods: Choose foods rich in fiber and protein, such as vegetables, fruits, and low-fat meats to maintain energy throughout the day.
3. Adequate Rest: Getting enough sleep will help maintain stamina while fasting. Avoid staying up too late during Ramadan.

The intention of Ramadan fasting is a very important element in performing fasting worship. With sincere intentions and carried out according to the recommended ordinances, our fasting will be valid and accepted by Allah SWT. In addition, fasting provides many spiritual, physical, and social benefits, making it one of the worships full of wisdom and blessings.

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