As we embrace the arrival of Ramadan this year, our hearts are filled with anticipation for a month of immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual growth, as beautifully emphasised in the Quran.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless practice of fasting, observed by generations before us, in order to nurture righteousness within our souls.

Fasting is not just a physical act, but a spiritual journey that we take in an attempt to gain nearness to Allah SWT. 

Central to this journey are our intentions for fasting and the duas we make to help set these meaningfully. To strengthen our intentions, it is essential we know and understand them.

1. Dua For Fasting

Based on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the study of hadith, there isn’t a specific dua he ﷺ used to recite at the end of suhoor to begin fasting for Ramadan. Instead, the Prophet ﷺ would simply make the intention to fast inwardly, marking the start of the fast. It is essential for us to make this intention before our mandatory (fardh) fasts in Ramadan. 

However, we can recite the following dua after finishing Suhoor,

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنِي هَذَا وَرَزَقَنِيهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ حَوْلٍ مِنِّي وَلاَ قُوَّةٍ

Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amani hadha wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwatin

“Praise is to Allah Who has fed me this and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part.” (Tirmidhi 3458)

2. Dua For Breaking Fast

As the sun sets and the air fills with Maghrib adhan, before indulging in the first sip of water or date, it’s common to recite the following dua for breaking our fast,

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Dhahaba adh-Dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabata al-ajru inshaAllah

“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.” [Abu Dawud]

This dua marks the end of a day filled with discipline and devotion, acknowledging both physical and spiritual nourishment.

Another one that we can recite is,

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizq-ika-aftartu.

“O Allah, I fasted for You, I believe in You, I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast.” (Abu Dawud)

This dua reflects dedication to Allah, an unwavering faith and trust in Him, and gratitude for all the sustenance He provides us with.

3. Dua For Breaking Fast With A Group Of People

Communal iftars are extra special as who doesn’t love breaking fast with loved ones? Soak up the infinite barakah and blessings that come with gatherings that remember Allah SWT in gratitude and recite the following dua as you open your fast with family and friends this Ramadan.

أفطر عندكم الصائمون ، وأكل طعامكم الأبرار ، وصلت عليكم الملائكة

Aftara indakum as-saa’imoon, wa akala ta’aamakum al-abraar, wa sallat alaikum al-malaaikah

“May the fasting people break fast at your place, and may the pious eat from your food, and may the angels pray for you.” (Abu Dawud)

Reflecting on these duas for fasting can enrich our fasting experience, nourishing the soul alongside abstaining from food and drink and reinforcing our intentions for fasting which is to attain piety. Through these supplications, we begin and end our fasts whilst inviting and seeking the special mercy and forgiveness of Allah SWT that the sacred month of Ramadan brings.

May all our duas, fasts and prayers be accepted during this blessed month of Ramadan. Ameen.