Do I need to make an intention (niyyah) to fast?

Detailed answer

Yes, you need an intention (niyyah) for your fast to count as an act of worship. But the intention is much simpler than many people think: it is the decision in your heart that you are going to fast. If you know tomorrow is a day of Ramadan and you plan to fast, you have made the intention.

What the Sunnah says

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Actions are only by intentions, and every person will have what they intended" (Bukhari and Muslim). For obligatory fasts, he also said that whoever does not intend to fast before dawn has no fast (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Nasa'i). For this reason, most scholars say the intention for a Ramadan fast must be in place during the night, before Fajr.

How to make the intention

• In the heart: the intention is an inner decision. You do not have to say anything aloud.
• Any time at night: it can be made at any point between sunset and dawn.
• Suhoor counts: getting up to eat suhoor in order to fast is itself an intention.
• Be clear which fast: know whether it is a Ramadan fast, a make-up fast or a voluntary one.

What about voluntary fasts?

Voluntary (nafl) fasts are more flexible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would sometimes ask at home whether there was any food, and when told there was none, he said that he would fast (Muslim). So if you have not eaten or drunk anything since dawn, you can decide during the morning to keep a voluntary fast.

Some scholars also allow the intention for a Ramadan fast to be made in the morning, before midday, as long as nothing has been eaten; if you are unsure, ask a trusted local scholar.

Don't overthink it

Many people worry about their intention unnecessarily. A Muslim who goes to bed during Ramadan planning to fast, or who wakes up for suhoor, has a valid intention. Islam keeps this easy.

See also whether you must make the intention every night, saying the intention out loud and fasting after missing suhoor.