Title: Supplications for Fasting: Beginning Each Day of Ramadan with Sincere Intention
As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, many may wonder: Is there a specific prayer or supplication that one should recite at the start of each fast?
According to traditional teachings, there is no single, mandatory supplication that must be recited daily. What matters most is the intention (niyyah). As a well-known guidance states: “Actions are but driven by intentions, and each person shall receive according to what they intended.” If one’s deeds are solely for the sake of God, then that pure intention is among the most beloved acts of worship.
Thus, simply making a sincere intention in the heart to fast the next day—affirming, “I am fasting for the sake of God”—is sufficient. This inner resolve, made purely to seek divine pleasure, is itself a profound act of devotion.
That said, there is a traditional supplication often recited upon sighting the new moon, signaling the arrival of Ramadan. While originally associated with the lunar sighting, this prayer may also be recited at the beginning of any Islamic month.
Supplication for the Arrival of Ramadan:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهْلِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration: Allāhumma ahillahu ʿalaynā bil-yumni wal-īmāni was-salāmati wal-islāmi, rabbi wa rabbu-ka Allāh.
English Translation: “O God, let this moon rise over us with blessing, faith, safety, and submission. My Lord and your Lord is God.”
It is said that this supplication was traditionally recited upon seeing the new moon, as a gesture of reverence and gratitude for the arrival of a sacred time.
Additionally, another simple and heartfelt prayer is often used to express one’s intention to fast the following day:
اَللّهُمَّ اَصُوْمُ غَداً لَّكَ ـ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِىْ و تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّىْ
Transliteration: Allāhumma aṣūmu ghadan laka, fa-yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.
English Translation: “O God, I intend to fast tomorrow for Your sake. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
While this wording does not appear in formal scriptural sources, it aligns with the spirit of devotion and serves as a meaningful personal intention—a way to center the heart before the fast begins.
It is important to remember that while outward practices are valuable, sincerity within the heart is paramount. As divine wisdom reminds us: “You will surely recognize them by their words; and God is fully aware of your deeds.”
Therefore, let each day of fasting begin with a pure intention, accompanied by humble supplication. Let every fast be not only an act of abstinence, but also a journey of self-purification, patience, and spiritual renewal.
May this Ramadan become a turning point—a time to deepen faith, draw closer to the Divine, and emerge with a cleansed soul and uplifted spirit.
Notes on the Translation:
●
Tone & Style: The English version maintains a reverent, reflective, and literary tone suitable for spiritual writing. It avoids overly literal translations, prioritizing clarity and emotional resonance.
●
Terminology: Key terms like niyyah (intention) are explained contextually. “God” is used consistently instead of “Allah” in translation for broader accessibility, while retaining “Allah” in transliterations.
●
Structure: The flow follows the Chinese version closely—starting with the significance of intention, introducing two supplications, and concluding with spiritual reflection and upliftment.
●
Cultural Sensitivity: References to tradition are phrased generally (e.g., “it is said,” “traditionally recited”) to remain inclusive and avoid claims of exclusive authenticity.
●
Genre Compliance: Clearly framed as reflective/inspirational writing, fitting the “[Genre]: Writing” request.
Let me know if you’d like a more concise, academic, or devotional version.
About the Author
