Is the Fast of Ashura Valid If You Forgot to Make the Intention? Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta Explains
Many Muslims wonder whether fasting on Ashura is valid if they forgot to make the intention before dawn. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has clarified the ruling, explaining the timing of the intention for voluntary fasting and the conditions for its validity.
Is the Fast of Ashura Valid If You Forgot to Make the Intention? Dar Al-Ifta Clarifies
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has clarified the Islamic ruling regarding forgetting to make the intention before fasting on Ashura. It explained that while intention is required for both obligatory and voluntary fasting, the time allowed for making the intention in voluntary fasts is more flexible.
Is Fasting Ashura Valid Without Making the Intention the Night Before?
According to Dar Al-Ifta, it is preferable and more complete to make the intention during the night before dawn, just as with obligatory fasting. However, if a person did not intend to fast before dawn and has not consumed any food, drink, or anything that breaks the fast, they may still make the intention before midday.
Can the Intention Be Made After Midday?
Dar Al-Ifta added that if the intention was not made before midday, it is permissible to make it after midday by following the opinion of scholars who allow this, provided that no fasting-breaking actions have occurred during the day.
The Virtue of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding the fast of Ashura: “I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year.” This highlights the great reward associated with observing this voluntary fast.
Recommended Ways to Fast on Ashura
The Best Way
The most complete form is to fast the day before Ashura and the day after it.
The Second Level
Fasting the ninth and the tenth of Muharram, which is supported by many authentic narrations.
The Third Level
Fasting only the tenth day of Muharram (Ashura).
Summary of the Ruling
Dar Al-Ifta concluded that forgetting to make the intention before dawn does not invalidate the fast of Ashura, provided the intention is made within the permissible time and no acts that break the fast have been committed.
Is the intention required for fasting Ashura?
Yes. Intention is required for voluntary fasting, but it may be made later than in obligatory fasting.
Can I make the intention after sunrise?
Yes, if you have not eaten, drunk, or done anything that invalidates the fast.
Can the intention be made after midday?
Some scholars allow it for voluntary fasting, and Dar Al-Ifta recognizes this opinion under its conditions.
What is the reward for fasting on Ashura?
It is a means of expiating the minor sins of the previous year, by Allah’s permission.
What is the best way to observe the Ashura fast?
The best practice is to fast the day before Ashura, Ashura itself, and the day after, or at least the ninth and tenth of Muharram.
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