Can a person make an intention to keep a Fast after Sehri time has ended?

Kindly note that the Ramadaan timetables for over 350 cities/towns in South Africa are available to view or download here.

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Nasihah (Advice): Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me

Sayyiduna Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that there was a group of companions of Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, one of whom said: I will not marry women.’ Another said: ‘I will not eat meat.’ Another said:‘I will not sleep on a bed.’ Another said:‘I will fast and not break my fast.’ This news reached Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam who praised Allah and said:“What is the matter with people who say such and such? I pray and I sleep, I fast and I break my fast and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.” (Sunan Nasaai)

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Question and Answer:

1. Can a person make an intention to keep a fardh/Sunnah/nafl fast after Sehri has ended?

(Question published as received)

1. The intention to observe a Fardh, Sunnah or Nafl fast should be made at night before Dawn (Subah Saadiq). However, if one did not make an intention before Dawn to observe the fast, one may still make an intention to observe a Fardh, Sunnah or Nafl fast until Dahwatul Kubra (close to midday) provided that one did not engage in any acts that would nullify the fast after Dawn.

Dahwatul Kubra is the middle time between Dawn and Sunset. For example, on 20^th March 2024, dawn is at 4:40 AM and sunset is at 6:08 PM. The total time between Dawn and Sunset is 13 hours 28 Minutes so the middle time between them is 6 hours and 44 minutes.

Accordingly, if one did not make an intention to observe a Fardh, Nafl or Sunnah fast before Dawn and one wishes to make an intention to observe it after Dawn, one may do so until 11:24am provided that one did not engage in any acts that would nullify the fast after Dawn. (Lubaab 1/162-Shaami 2/377-)

N.B. In terms of making intention of Qadha fasts, the intention must be made before Dawn. An intention for a Qadha fast after Dawn is invalid.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

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