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Niat For Ramadan: When And How To Do It

Niat For Ramadan: When And How To Do It

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Ili •  Mar 04, 2024

Ramadan 2024 is finally here at our doorstep! From getting all the Ramadan essentials ready to thinking about sahur recipes, everyone is gearing up for the holy month and we couldn't be more excited. Between preparing ourselves physically and spiritually for this blessed month, it is very important that we don't forget to make niat (intentions) before fasting! That's right - with all the noise going on in the world, it's easy to get swept away with worries and overlook the finer details. So, we're here to remind you to make your niat and recite the duas for the fasting month.

P.P.S. Wondering how to perform prayers in congregation during this Ramadan? Here's aneasy guide to Terawih prayers at home.

Niat Ramadan: When And How To Do This

What is the purpose of niat?

Niat For Ramadan

When you make an intention before every deed, it is a reminder to your inner self and a confirmation that we seek the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t) in all our actions. On top of that, setting your intention for fasting also brings you closer to Allah (s.w.t) and helps you to remember the purpose of Ramadan. As Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said: "Whoever does not have the intention to fast before dawn, then there is no fasting for him." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2331, Daif)

When and how should I make my intention to fast?

Niat For Ramadan

You can make your intention to fast between dusk (maghrib) and dawn (subuh) before the following day's fast. Whether you choose to do it at the beginning, middle or end of the night, just make sure it's done before Fajr. While you're free to make your niat anytime within that period, it is better to do it as early as possible in case you get caught up with a busy schedule. So, if you think you're likely to forget (or are just naturally forgetful), set an alarm or have someone remind you to do so before the start of your fast.

There are different opinions on how often to do it during Ramadan. Some people do it once at the beginning of the month combined with another niat on the first night of Ramadan, while others make a niat daily. For those who are not able to fast for 30 days consecutively (due to menses or sickness), it is best that you niat with the daily prayer. We've provided duas for both kinds, so whichever you're doing, the most important thing is to have the intention to fast.

Monthly niat before fasting:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ كِلِّهِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu sauma syahri romadhana kullihi lillahi ta’ala

Daily niat before fasting:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ أَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu sauma ghodin an'adaai fardhi syahir romadhona haadzihis sanati lillahi ta'ala

"I intend to do obligatory fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan this year because of Allah."

Dua to break fast:

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلٰى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ، وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ

Allahumma laka sumtu, wabika amantu, wa ala rizkika aftortu

"O Allah: For the sake of You have I fasted; and with Your sustenance have I broken my fast; and in You have I trusted.'

With these duas in mind, you're now ready to welcome Ramadan with an open heart and mind. Narrated on the authority of Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers), Abu Hafs ‘Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), say:

“Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for.” (Related by Bukhari & Muslim)

On that note, HHWT would like to wish Muslims all around the world a Ramadan Mubarak! May the blessings of this holy month be on all of us and may Allah (s.w.t) grant our prayers and fast ❤️