What is the ruling on someone who begins the suhoor a little before Fajr, intending to fast if they can finish before the time, and if not, then not? And does this differ between obligatory and supererogatory fasts? And is the intention to make up a day from Ramadan sufficient, or must the specific day to be made up be specified?
What was mentioned does not constitute a valid intention for fasting, as intention cannot involve hesitation or suspension, and due to the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Actions are but by intentions."
Among the conditions for the validity of obligatory fasting is a firm intention before the dawn breaks, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Whoever does not intend to fast from the night, there is no fast for him."
As for voluntary fasting, its intention from the night is not a condition, according to the preponderant opinion. So, whoever firmly intends to fast during the day, before eating or drinking, his fast is valid, based on the hadith of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, came to me one day and asked: 'Do you have anything?' We said: 'No.' He said: 'Then I am fasting.'"
The intention to make up for missed fasts is sufficient for making up Ramadan fasts, and it is not necessary to specify the exact day on which the fast was missed.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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