Dua for Fasting During Ramadan | 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 ﷻ, 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 ﷻ.
The Value of Fasting: Reflections from the Qur’an and Sunnah
Fasting holds tremendous virtue in Islam, emphasized repeatedly in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183):
﴾يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ﴿
Translation: “O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous.”
This verse emphasizes the spiritual goal of fasting: taqwa (God-consciousness).
Hadith – Sahih al-Bukhari 1904:
“Every act of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.” [Source: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1904]
This powerful hadith highlights the exclusive nature of fasting as an act of worship directed purely toward Allah ﷻ, who Himself promises the reward.
Sahih Muslim 1151:
“Fasting is a shield. So when one of you is fasting, he should not indulge in obscene language or raise his voice in anger. If someone insults him or fights with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’”
Fasting serves as a spiritual shield, protecting one from sins and building character.
Certainly. One of the beautiful and well-known duʿāʾs to ask Allah ﷻ to allow us to reach Ramadan is authentically reported from the early generations and widely practiced by scholars and believers alike.
Duʿāʾ to Ask Allah ﷻ to Reach Ramadan
﴾اللَّهُمَّ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ﴿
Transliteration: Allāhumma ballighnā Ramaḍān
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, allow us to reach Ramadan.”
Expanded Duʿāʾ With Righteous Intentions
﴾اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْنِي إِلَى رَمَضَانَ، وَسَلِّمْ لِي رَمَضَانَ، وَتَسَلَّمْهُ مِنِّي مُتَقَبَّلًا﴿
Transliteration: Allāhumma sallimnī ilā Ramaḍān, wa sallim lī Ramaḍān, wa tasallamhu minnī mutaqabbalan
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, deliver me to Ramadan, deliver Ramadan to me, and receive it from me accepted.”
Source & Practice
While the short duʿāʾ “اللَّهُمَّ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ” is not found in the exact form as a hadith from the Prophet ﷺ, it has been narrated from righteous predecessors (Salaf) such as Muʿalla ibn al-Faḍl (رحمه الله), who said:
“They used to supplicate for six months asking Allah to let them reach Ramadan…”
— Lata’if al-Maʿārif by Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī
Scholars like Imām al-Nawawī, Ibn al-Jawzī, and Ibn Rajab encouraged such supplication because it expresses love for Ramadan and eagerness to worship Allah ﷻ.
When to Say This Duʿāʾ
- In the months leading up to Ramadan (e.g. Rajab, Shaʿbān)
- In your daily personal duʿāʾs, especially after prayers, before sleeping, or at times of accepted supplication (e.g. during last third of night)
Dua for Intention to Fast (Niyyah)
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَن أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ هذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Transliteration: Nawaytu ṣawma ghadin ʿan adāʾi farḍi shahri Ramaḍāna hādhihi al-sanati lillāhi taʿālā
Translation: “I intend to keep the fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of Ramadan this year for the sake of Allah, the Most High.”
This statement is not required to be said verbally, but it reflects the internal intention (Niyyah) required for a valid fast. Scholars agree that the intention must be made in the heart before Fajr (dawn) each fasting day of Ramadan.
Dua for Suhoor (Beginning the Fast)
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Transliteration: Wa bi-sawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri Ramaḍān
Translation: “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 ﷻ.
- 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 ﷻ mercy and grace.
- Remembrance: It aids in the remembrance of Allah ﷻ, 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
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī laka ṣumtu wa bika āmantu wa ʿalayka tawakkaltu wa ʿalā rizqika afṭartu
Translation: “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)
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ
Transliteration: Dhahaba al-ẓamaʾu wabtallati al-ʿurūqu wa thabata al-ajru in shāʾ Allāh
Translation: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is certain if Allah ﷻ wills”
These Duas, when recited with sincerity and understanding, become a conduit to deepen our spiritual connection with Allah ﷻ, 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 ﷻ 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 ﷺ guided Lady Aisha (RA) to make this Dua on Laylat al-Qadr:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Transliteration: Allāhumma innaka ʿafuwwun tuḥibbu al-ʿafwa faʿfu ʿannī
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”
This supplication is a profound expression of our yearning for Allah’s ﷻ forgiveness. As we recite these words, let us pour our heart into it, believing firmly in the boundless mercy of Allah ﷻ 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
Transliteration: Allāhumma ighfir lī dhanbī kullahu, diqqahu wa jilahu, wa awwalahu wa ākhirahu, wa ʿalāniyatahu wa sirrahū
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, 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 ﷻ, asking Him to cleanse us of our sins, whether small or big, public or private.
15 Additional Dua for Fasting During Ramadan
Next are additional Duʿāʾs (supplications) for fasting during Ramadan, drawn from authentic sources in the Qur’an and Sunnah. These Duas are thematically connected to the spirit of fasting and the goals of Ramadan—seeking taqwā, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and closeness to Allah ﷻ.
1. Dua for Steadfastness in Worship
﴾رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ﴿
Transliteration: Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana baʿda idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmah innaka anta al-Wahhab
Translation: “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
📖 Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:8) — Quran.com/3/8
2. Sayyid Al-Istighfār (the Master Duʿāʾ for Seeking Forgiveness)
﴾اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي، فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ﴿
Transliteration:
Allāhumma anta rabbī, lā ilāha illā anta, khalaqtanī wa anā ʿabduka, wa anā ʿalā ʿahdika wa waʿdika mā istaṭaʿtu, aʿūdhu bika min sharri mā ṣanaʿtu, abūʾu laka biniʿmatika ʿalayya, wa abūʾu bidhambī, faghfir lī, fa-innahū lā yaghfiru adh-dhunūba illā anta.
Translation:
“O Allah ﷻ, You are my Lord. There is no deity except You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You my sins. So forgive me, for surely no one can forgive sins except You.”
Virtue of This Duʿāʾ:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever says this during the day, believing in it with certainty and dies before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise. And whoever says this at night, believing in it with certainty and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.”
📘 Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 6306)
🔗 Sahih al-Bukhari 6306 – Sunnah.com
This is one of the most comprehensive and beloved Duʿāʾs for seeking forgiveness, combining humility, recognition of Allah’s mercy, and admission of one’s faults. It is highly recommended to say it every morning and evening.
3. Dua for Strength in Obedience
‟اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ”
Transliteration: Allāhumma aʿinnī ʿalā dhikrika wa shukrika wa ḥusni ʿibādatik
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.”
📘 Sunan Abī Dāwūd (1522) — Sunnah.com/abudawud:1522
4. Dua for Guidance and Light
﴾رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي﴿
Transliteration: Rabbi ajʿalnī muqīma aṣ-ṣalāti wa min dhurriyyatī
Translation: “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants.”
📖 Surah Ibrāhīm (14:40) — Quran.com/14/40
5. Dua for Acceptance of Good Deeds
﴾رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ﴿
Transliteration: Rabbana taqabbal minnā innaka anta as-Samīʿu al-ʿAlīm
Translation: “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
📖 Surah al-Baqarah (2:127) — Quran.com/2/127
6. Dua for Seeking Forgiveness for Oneself and the Ummah
﴾رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ﴿
Transliteration: Rabbana ighfir lana wa li-ikhwanina alladhīna sabaqūna bil-īmān
Translation: “Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.”
📖 Surah al-Ḥashr (59:10) — Quran.com/59/10
7. Dua for Refuge from Sin and Laziness
‟اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ”
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina al-ʿajzi wa al-kasal
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness.”
📘 Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2722) — Sunnah.com/muslim:2722
8. Dua for a Heart That Is Firm in Faith
‟يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ، ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ”
Transliteration: Yā Muqalliba al-qulūb, thabbit qalbī ʿalā dīnik
Translation: “O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion.”
📘 Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhī (2140) — Sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2140
9. Dua for Increase in Knowledge and Spiritual Growth
﴾رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا﴿
Transliteration: Rabbi zidnī ʿilma
Translation: “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
📖 Surah Ṭā-Hā (20:114) — Quran.com/20/114
10. Dua for Seeking Jannah and Protection from the Fire
‟اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ”
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī asʾalukal-jannata wa aʿūdhu bika mina an-nār
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from the Fire.”
📘 Abū Dāwūd (792) — Sunnah.com/abudawud:792
11. Dua for Patience and Gratitude
﴾رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ﴿
Transliteration: Rabbi awziʿnī an ashkura niʿmataka allatī anʿamta ʿalayya
Translation: “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me…”
📖 Surah al-Aḥqāf (46:15) — Quran.com/46/15
12. Dua for Barakah in Time, Wealth, and Deeds
‟اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِي زَمَانِي وَفِي رِزْقِي وَفِي أَعْمَالِي”
Transliteration: Allāhumma bārik lī fī zamānī wa fī rizqī wa fī aʿmālī
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, bless my time, my provision, and my deeds.”
(Not found in one narration—this is a general duʿāʾ based on Islamic themes)
13. Dua for Removing Hardship
﴾فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا﴿
Transliteration: Fa-inna maʿa al-ʿusri yusrā
Translation: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
📖 Surah al-Inshirāḥ (94:6) — Quran.com/94/6
14. Dua of Yunus (AS) in Distress
﴾لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ﴿
Transliteration: Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn
Translation: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
📖 Surah al-Anbiyāʾ (21:87) — Quran.com/21/87
15. Dua for Completing Ramadan and Being Accepted
‟اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ صِيَامَنَا وَقِيَامَنَا، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا، وَأَدْخِلْنَا الْجَنَّةَ”
Transliteration: Allāhumma taqabbal ṣiyāmanā wa qiyāmanā, waghfir lanā warḥamnā, wa adkhilnā al-jannah
Translation: “O Allah ﷻ, accept our fasting and night prayers, forgive us, have mercy on us, and admit us into Paradise.”
(Derived from comprehensive Prophetic themes)
Indeed, let these Duas serve as invaluable spiritual tools during Ramadan.
May every word we utter rise as an earnest plea to Allah ﷻ, resonating with our desire for His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.