The dua before you start fasting is the dua said for the Niyyah of the fast. Niyyah means intention. While Muslims can keep the fast without reciting the dua before the fast, the best way is to keep fast with the right supplications. This dua helps Muslims focus their thoughts on the practice at hand. The dua also allows Muslims to reflect on the act of keeping a fast and be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for all their blessings and provisions.
The month of Ramadan brings loads of blessings and barakat for Muslims every year. Every adult, sane, and healthy Muslim is obligated to fast during the daylight hours of this month. The true intention of fasting (or any other religious practice) is to bring ourselves closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). With the right duas at the right time, we get a reminder of our inner selves. These verbal intentions confirm that we’re seeking Allah’s pleasure in our actions. Read the dua before you start fasting below:
The right intention, or Niyyah, is the cornerstone of all ibadah in Islam. Allah has said that all aamaal (deeds) will be wasted if one does them without the right intention. Fasting is one of the best ibadat or religious practices that any Muslim can do. Before embarking upon any fast, a Muslim should confirm this deed with a verbal intention. In a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Every deed of the son of Adam will be given a ten-fold reward, up to seven hundred. Allah says: ‘Except fasting, for it is for Me, and I shall reward for it, for he gives up his desire and his food for My sake…’ “(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5927; Muslim, 1151)
This Hadith tells us that the reward for fasting is infinite; Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) can make it as large as He wishes. It only highlights how important it is to have the right supplications or duas for thanking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and making the proper intention.
The dua before starting a fast is the same as the dua for Suhoor or the pre-dawn meal before fasting. It expresses gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for the food that we are eating. It also helps us seek forgiveness, as for the acceptance of our ibadah, and seek protection from any evil. Moreover, the dua before fasting is also for seeking strength, blessings, forgiveness, and other benefits for the day ahead.
According to scholars of fiqh, only an intention or Niyyah in the heart is required for keeping a fast. Ibn Taymiyyah stated, “Whoever thinks in his heart that he will fast tomorrow has formed the Intention for Fasting.”
It’s evident from this narration that reciting any dua at Suhoor is not obligatory. If we do make the effort, though, the benefits can be innumerable. Engaging with this dua at that particular time will be an effective and mindful act of commitment. It helps us reflect, be grateful, and stay humble before our Lord.
Reciting the dua before fasting is a spiritual boost that’s beneficial for every Muslim. It’s short, easy, and will help enhance your fast. You haven’t memorized this dua? No problem! Download the Muslim and Quran mobile application and read the dua before you start your fast easily.