نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ لِلَّهِ عَلَيَّ
I intend to fast tomorrow for the obligatory [fast] of Ramadan, for the sake of Allah upon me.
*Nawaytu sawma ghadin 'an ada'i fardhi Ramadan lillahi 'alayyah*
When to Read
This intention is made during the night before the fast begins, ideally at suhoor time. It's the moment you decide to fast for the upcoming day, acknowledging it as an act of worship for Allah. This is particularly crucial for obligatory fasts like those in Ramadan.
How to Read
The intention is primarily a matter of the heart. Saying it aloud, as written above, is a beautiful way to vocalize this commitment, making it more concrete. The key is the sincere resolve within you to fast for Allah's pleasure. It can be said any time after sunset of the previous day and before the fast officially begins at dawn.
Virtues & Benefits
Making the intention is the very foundation of a valid fast, especially for Ramadan. Without the intention, the fast would not be accepted. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr, there is no fast for him." (Sunan Abi Dawud 2352, Sunan An-Nasa'i 2331). This beautiful intention connects our suhoor meal directly to our worship, transforming a simple meal into an act of obedience and a step towards pleasing Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr, there is no fast for him.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 2352). Scholars explain that this intention must be made before the dawn breaks for the fast to be valid. The wording 'nawaytu sawma ghadin...' is a well-established way to express this intention for the following day's fast.