Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever did not decide to fast before Fajr then there is no fast for him." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 730)

Meaning & Context

This hadith from The Book on Fasting by Jami' at-Tirmidhi establishes a fundamental condition for the validity of fasting: the intention (niyyah) must be made before dawn (Fajr).

The scholars explain that this applies specifically to obligatory fasts like Ramadan, where conscious intention preceding the fast is required. The wisdom behind this ruling is that worship requires conscious purpose and devotion, not merely accidental abstinence.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (good). The majority of scholars hold that for obligatory fasts, the intention must be made the night before, during the period from sunset to dawn.

This ruling emphasizes the importance of niyyah in Islamic worship - actions are judged by intentions. The fasting person must consciously resolve to fast for Allah's sake, distinguishing worship from mere hunger or habit.

Practical Application

Muslims should form the intention for Ramadan fasts before Fajr, either verbally or in heart. The minimum intention is: "I intend to fast tomorrow for the month of Ramadan."

For voluntary fasts, most scholars permit making intention after dawn if one has not eaten, providing flexibility for supererogatory worship while maintaining the stricter standard for obligatory acts.