Niyyah (Intention for Fasting)

Q. Is niyyah (intention) necessary for fasting?

A. Yes, niyyah is necessary. A fast is not valid if one abstains from things breaking the fast from subh saadiq to sunset without having niyyah in the heart.

Q. At what time should one express the niyyah?

A.For Ramadaan, nadhr mu’ayyan, and nafl fasts: during the night or before midday.
For qadaa fasts (Ramadaan, kaffaarah, nadhr ghayr mu’ayyan): before subh saadiq.
Example: If subh saadiq is 4 A.M. and sunset 6 P.M., the midday is 11 A.M.; niyyah should be expressed latest by 11 A.M.

Q. How to express the niyyah?

A.For Ramadaan, nadhr mu’ayyan, sunnah, and nafl fasts: having a general intention of fasting is enough. For ghayr mu’ayyan, kaffaarah, and qadaa fasts: specific intention for that fast is necessary.

Q. Is it necessary to express niyyah by words?

A. Niyyah means to intend in the heart. It is enough to have the intention in the heart; speaking it is better but not necessary.