How to Intend Fasting
Like all other worships, fasting should be accompanied by intention, i.e. one’s refraining from eating, drinking, and all other fast invalidators should be motivated by obedience to Allah’s order. Just such an aim is sufficient and there is no need to express it.
How to Intend Fasting
How to Intend Fasting
48. Like all other worships, fasting should be accompanied by intention, i.e. one’s refraining from eating, drinking, and all other fast invalidators should be motivated by obedience to Allah’s order. Just such an aim is sufficient and there is no need to express it.
To Intend Every Day or for the Whole Month
49. In the month of Ramadan, should we intend every day or it suffices to intend once in the beginning of the month?
A: It suffices to intend at the night before the first day of Ramadan to fast for a month. However, it is better (mustaḥabb caution) to intend every night for the next day as well.
Fast Obligation Just due to Intention
50. My mother intended to fast the whole month but she fell sick after seven days, what should she do?
A: The mere intention does not make it obligatory. Therefore, in the given case, fasting is not obligatory for her.
Just to Have Fast Intention in the Mind
51. One intends to fast at night and sleeps with the same intention to wake up after fajr. When he wakes up, drinks some water absent-mindedly. Later, he remembers that he intended to fast last night. Is his fasting valid?
A: To do a fast invalidator absent-mindedly does not invalidate fasting. If he still has his previous intention – even inattentively, it is sufficient.
Source: Hadana adopted from the Istiftaat of the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei