Is It Right To Fast Without Intention?

by Abbas Jahangir · March 3, 2022

The question of whether to fast without intention started to come up again with the approach of Ramadan. Citizens who forgot to make intention after sahur or could not wake up for sahur started to search for the answer to this question.

The answer to the question whether fasting without intention is acceptable should be sought in the most accurate sources. False information written in unreliable sources can mislead the person.

In this article, we took the Presidency of Religious Affairs, which is the most accurate source available, as a reference. Here is the most accurate information about fasting without intention in Ramadan.

Is It Possible to Fast Without Intention?

The statement made by the Presidency of Religious Affairs about fasting without intention is as follows:

“Intention is one of the conditions of fasting. Fasting without intention is not valid. Although it is sufficient to intend with the heart, it is mandub to express the intention with the tongue. Waking up for sahur for fasting is also considered intention.”

In order to fully illuminate the question of whether to fast without intention, let’s add that the word sahih means worship performed in accordance with all conditions.
Mandup is an action that is religiously pleasing to do, but it is not harmful not to do it.
Ramadan fasting is the time to make intention for fasts dedicated to be kept on certain days and for supererogatory fasts, the period between sunset and before it reaches its peak the next day. must.
Otherwise, intention during the day will not be permissible (Kâsânî, Bedâî’, II, 85). For these fasts, the absolute intention of “to fast tomorrow” is sufficient. However, it is more virtuous to make the intention at night and to set the fast as “Tomorrow’s Ramadan fast”. It is necessary to make a separate intention for each day of Ramadan (Mawsili, al-Ihtiyar, I, 397, 400).
For the qada, kaffarah and fasts that are devoted regardless of a time, the intention must be made from sunset until the time of imsak at the latest. When intending such fasts, it should be stated as “something like accident, kaffarah or votive fast”.
According to the Shafi’i sect, all fasts except nafilah should be intended at night. “If the intention is not made until the time of imsak, the fast of that day is not valid. On the other hand, voluntary fasts can be intended until the sun reaches its zenith (Shirazi, al-Muhezzeb, I, 331-332).

Is Fasting Acceptable Without Intention?

According to the statement made by the Presidency of Religious Affairs:

“Intention is one of the conditions of fasting. It is not valid to get up for sahur and fast without making intention. While it is sufficient to make an intention with the heart and get up for sahur with this intention, it is necessary to say this intention with the tongue. But getting up for sahur for fasting can actually be considered a kind of intention.”

In other words , if you are looking for an answer to the question whether fasting is accepted without intention, we can say that the most important point is the desire and determination in the mind.
Let’s make a short explanation for those who ask if they can fast without making any intention before getting up for sahur in Ramadan.
Religious scholars emphasize that sahur is not a religious requirement, but the opportunity to benefit from the blessings of sahur is missed when it is not taken.
In terms of health, doctors say that it is more appropriate to get up for sahur and fast.
In Ramadan fasting, missed fasts or supererogatory fasts, the time to make intention is until the sun reaches its peak the next day.
In order to make intention after imsak, it is necessary not to eat or drink anything after this time and not to do anything else that might break the fast.
Intention should be made for each day of Ramadan separately. For these fasts, the intention can usually be made as ‘Tomorrow’s fasting or tomorrow’s Ramadan fast’.
If redemption or accident fasting is to be held, the intention must be made after sunset, at the latest, until imsak time. While holding this and similar fasts, it is correct to make the intention by stating the reason for the fast to be kept as ‘… to the fast of qada, kaffarah or votive offering’.
It is recommended that the person who gets up for sahur should intend with his tongue. However, in case of forgetfulness and inattention, if the intention is not made, the fast will still be accepted. Because getting up for sahur and preparing for fasting are also different forms of intention.

Is it a Sin to Break Fasting Without Intention?

Fasting and breaking it without intention is also one of the most frequently asked questions.
Atonement means the punishment for intentionally breaking a fast that has already begun. If it is not intended, the accident of that day is held. However, this expiation should not mean keeping the fast without an intention and breaking the fast without making any intention.
The religious evaluation of breaking the fast without intention is based on the main thoughts in one’s heart, and of course, in the sight of Allah. If the person does not intend to fast with the thought that if I cannot bear it, I will leave the fast, this will not be logical.
In this context, it does not fit the meaning of fasting to set out by saying whether to fast without knowingly intending to do so.
The condition of breaking the fast should also be taken into account. Of course, breaking the fast for arbitrary reasons is not a good action. However, breaking the fast in health and unexpected situations is a situation that can be compensated later.
Breaking the fast without intention may occur from time to time.
For example, in the event of sudden accidents or bad events, a person is not in a position to make intention and consider breaking the fast. Since such days are an exception, it cannot be said that it is a sin to break the fast without making an intention.
If the fast is to be broken in a planned way, it will be more appropriate to make intention.