In the blessed name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, we extend our hands and hearts in anticipation of His boundless mercy. Today, let’s embark on a journey of spiritual enlightenment as we explore the significance, beauty, and benefit of the Dua for Fasting.
Fasting, or Sawm, is a pillar of Islam that holds a special place in our faith and practice. It’s not simply an act of abstaining from food and drink from dawn until dusk. It’s a testament to our submission and servitude to Allah s.w.t., a spiritual cleanse, a moral reboot, and an opportunity to develop a deeper connection with our Creator.
As we prepare for this profound act of worship, we must acknowledge the power of Dua, the supplication uttered as we commence our fast. This Dua is not merely a set of meticulously curated words but a heartfelt request, a hopeful plea expressing our sincerity and reliance on Allah.
Dua for Suhoor (Beginning the Fast):
The Dua for Suhoor, said the night before the beginning the fast, is:
“وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ”
translated as “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan”
Why is this Dua pivotal in our fasting journey?
- Intent: Fasting in Islam is based on Niyyah, or intention. This Dua encapsulates the Niyyah, giving form to our intent and sincerity to dedicate our fasting for the sake of Allah.
- Blessings: The recitation of this Dua invites divine blessings and rewards. It establishes the spiritual connection and speaks to our utter dependence on Allah’s mercy and grace.
- Remembrance: It aids in the remembrance of Allah, instilling a sense of sacred consciousness and responsibility in our hearts for the holy duty we are about to embark upon.
- Moral fortification: Uttering this Dua internalizes and fortifies the moral implications of fasting, serving as a reminder that fasting is not merely physical but embraces moral conduct and spiritual elevation.
Dua for Iftar (Breaking the Fast)
“اللُّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَليكَ تَوَكَّلتُ وَ عَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ”
It translates to: “O Allah, I fasted for You and I believe in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance”.
Dua after Iftar (After Breaking the Fast)
“ذهب الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ”
It translates to: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is certain if Allāh wills”.
These Duas, when recited with sincerity and understanding, become a conduit to deepen our spiritual connection with Allah s.w.t., creating an environment of total submission and active remembrance. Elevate your fasting experience by reciting these Duas, knowing that every syllable resonates with a cry to Allah for His boundless mercy, love, and provision.
Dua for Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
Laylat al-Qadr is an immensely sacred night in the Islamic calendar. It is described as the “Night of Power,” a night better than a thousand months. Observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, a sincere Dua made on this night is believed to be exceptionally powerful and rewarding.
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guided Lady Aisha (R.A.) to make this Dua on Laylat al-Qadr:
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي”
Translating to: “O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”
This supplication is a profound expression of our yearning for Allah’s forgiveness. As we recite these words, let us pour our heart into it, believing firmly in the boundless mercy of Allah to forgive us.
Dua for seeking forgiveness in Ramadan
In this blessed month, as we seek purification of our souls and strive to get closer to our Creator, this Dua is immensely beneficial:
“اللهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ دِقَّهُ وجِلَّهُ وأَوَّلَهُ وآخِرَهُ وعَلانِيَتَهُ وسِرَّهُ”
Translating to: “O Allah, forgive me all my sins, great and small, the first and the last, those apparent and those hidden”.
This Dua beautifully encapsulates our sincere request to Allah s.w.t., asking Him to cleanse us of our sins, whether small or big, public or private.
Indeed, let these Duas serve as invaluable spiritual tools during Ramadan. May every word we utter rise as an earnest plea to Allah, resonating with our desire for His mercy, forgiveness, and infinite grace. May Allah envelop us in His divine mercy during this blessed month and beyond.