Niat Puasa Dzulhijjah: A Guide

Dzulhijjah is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar, revered for the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Fasting during the first nine days of Dzulhijjah, especially the Day of Arafah (9th Dzulhijjah), is highly encouraged and carries immense spiritual rewards. These fasts are considered sunnah muakkadah, meaning strongly recommended practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Understanding Niat (Intention)

The core of any act of worship in Islam is the niat, or intention. It is the sincere resolve in the heart to perform a specific act for the sake of Allah. The intention is not merely a verbal declaration; it is the conscious awareness and purpose behind the action. Without the proper intention, the act of fasting loses its spiritual significance.

The Correct Way to Make the Niat

While a verbal declaration of the niat is permissible, the most important aspect is the firm intention residing in the heart. It is enough to have the sincere resolve to fast for the specified days of Dzulhijjah. Generally, the niat is made before dawn (fajr) each day, although some scholars permit making the intention the night before.

The Specific Niat for Each Type of Fast

There are three types of fasts observed during Dzulhijjah, and although the overall intention is to fast for the sake of Allah, it helps to understand the subtle nuances:

• Fasting from the 1st to the 7th of Dzulhijjah: The intention is to fast specifically for these days, seeking the blessings associated with voluntary fasting during Dzulhijjah. You can intend to fast for these days as a general act of devotion.
• Fasting on the 8th of Dzulhijjah (Tarwiyah): The intention is specifically to fast the day of Tarwiyah.
• Fasting on the 9th of Dzulhijjah (Arafah): This is the most emphasized fast. The intention is to fast on the Day of Arafah, seeking the immense reward of having one’s sins from the previous year and the coming year forgiven.

A common Arabic phrasing for the intention (though not mandatory to recite) for each day of fasting could be adapted to reflect the specific day. For example, for the Day of Arafah, one could internally intend something along the lines of: “I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah, fasting the Day of Arafah.” The exact words aren’t critical; the sincere intention is.

Important Considerations

• Combining Intentions: While performing these fasts, it’s permissible to combine them with other voluntary fasts you might routinely observe, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. The reward will be compounded.
• Missing a Day: If you miss a day of fasting due to a valid reason (illness, travel, etc.), there is no requirement to make up the missed fasts. They are voluntary acts of worship.
• Emphasis on Sincerity: The core of the niat is sincerity and seeking Allah’s pleasure. Approach these fasts with humility, devotion, and a genuine desire to draw closer to Allah.

By observing these fasts with a sincere intention, Muslims can reap immense spiritual benefits during the blessed month of Dzulhijjah.