Dua for Fasting: Sehri Dua & Iftar Dua in English, Arabic & Urdu
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. Every day, Muslims around the world wake before dawn for Sehri (Suhoor), make the intention to fast, and then abstain from food and drink until sunset. At the time of Iftar, Muslims break their fast and turn to Allah with gratitude and supplication.
Many people search for the correct Dua for Fasting, including the Sehri Dua, Suhoor Dua, and Iftar Dua in Arabic, English, and Urdu. However, it is important to understand the difference between a person’s intention, commonly recited wording, and a dua that is specifically reported from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This guide explains the Dua for Fasting in a simple and practical way. It includes Arabic text, English transliteration, English meanings, and Urdu translations. It also explains when to make the intention, what to say at Iftar, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are a beginner, parent, student, or teaching children about Ramadan, this guide can help you understand these important practices more confidently.
What Is the Dua for Fasting?
When Muslims talk about the Dua for Fasting, they may mean two different things:
- The intention (Niyyah) to fast before dawn
- The supplication said when breaking the fast at Iftar
The intention is an act of the heart. A Muslim intends to fast for the sake of Allah. Therefore, it is not necessary to pronounce a particular Arabic sentence aloud for the intention to exist.
The Quran explains the basic timing of the fast: Muslims may eat and drink during the night until dawn and then complete the fast until night.
Therefore, eating Sehri with the intention of fasting Ramadan is itself a clear indication that a person intends to fast.
Sehri Dua / Suhoor Dua
Is There a Specific Sehri Dua?
There is an important distinction here.
There is no specific authentic dua established from the Prophet ﷺ that must be recited at Sehri in a particular wording.
A commonly circulated wording is:
Arabic
نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
English Transliteration
Nawaitu an asuma ghadan lillahi ta’ala.
English Meaning
I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah Almighty.
Urdu Meaning
میں نے اللہ تعالیٰ کے لیے کل روزہ رکھنے کی نیت کی۔
This wording is commonly taught in many Muslim communities as the Sehri Dua or fasting intention. However, it should not be presented as a specific prophetic dua that everyone is required to recite.
The essential matter is the intention to fast.
What Should I Do at Sehri?
Before Fajr, a Muslim should:
- Wake up for Sehri.
- Eat and drink within the permitted time.
- Make the sincere intention to fast.
- Stop eating and drinking when the fasting time begins.
- Pray Fajr on time.
The Quran states that eating and drinking continue until dawn, after which the fast is completed until night.
Thus, the focus should be on sincerely intending to fast rather than worrying about memorizing a particular sentence.
Sehri Dua in Arabic, English & Urdu
For readers who are looking for the commonly taught Sehri Dua, here is the wording often used:
| Language | Text |
|---|---|
| Arabic | نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى |
| English Transliteration | Nawaitu an asuma ghadan lillahi ta’ala. |
| English Meaning | I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah Almighty. |
| Urdu | میں نے اللہ تعالیٰ کے لیے کل روزہ رکھنے کی نیت کی۔ |
Important: This is a commonly recited formula for expressing the intention. The intention itself is what matters; Muslims should not think that the fast depends on reciting this exact wording aloud.
What Is Niyyah for Fasting?
Niyyah means intention.
In fasting, it means that a person sincerely decides to fast as an act of worship for Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ taught the importance of sincere intention in worship. In Ramadan, fasting with sincere faith and seeking Allah’s reward is emphasized in authentic hadith.
A simple example of Niyyah
You can simply have the intention in your heart:
“I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah.”
There is no need to make the intention complicated.
How to Make Niyyah for Ramadan Fasting
Making the intention can be very simple.
Step 1: Know that you are fasting
Be aware that you will fast the next day of Ramadan.
Step 2: Intend it for Allah
Your purpose should be worship and obedience to Allah.
Step 3: Make the intention before the fast begins
For Ramadan fasting, the intention should be made before the fasting period begins. The details of when the intention is required can differ according to the type of fast and Islamic school of jurisprudence, so Muslims should follow a trusted scholar for school-specific rulings.
Step 4: Do not overcomplicate it
You do not need to repeatedly say a long sentence. The sincere intention in your heart is the key point.
Iftar Dua – Dua for Breaking Fast
The Iftar Dua is a supplication associated with breaking the fast.
A hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud reports that when the Prophet ﷺ broke his fast, he said:
Iftar Dua in Arabic
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
English Transliteration
Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah.
English Meaning
The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills.
Urdu Translation
پیاس بجھ گئی، رگیں تر ہوگئیں، اور اللہ نے چاہا تو اجر ثابت ہوگیا۔
This narration is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357 and is graded Hasan by Al-Albani on the cited source.
When Should the Iftar Dua Be Read?
The Iftar dua is associated with breaking the fast.
A simple approach is:
- Wait until the sun has set and the fasting period has ended.
- Break the fast.
- Recite the reported supplication.
- Thank Allah for the blessing of food, drink, and the opportunity to complete the fast.
Many Muslims also make personal dua at Iftar. You can ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, good health, family blessings, success, Jannah, and protection from the Fire.
Iftar Dua in Arabic, English & Urdu
| Language | Dua |
| Arabic | ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ |
| English Transliteration | Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah. |
| English Meaning | The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills. |
| Urdu | پیاس بجھ گئی، رگیں تر ہوگئیں، اور اللہ نے چاہا تو اجر ثابت ہوگیا۔ |
What About “Allahumma Inni Laka Sumtu”?
Many Muslims know another popular wording that begins:
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ…
It is widely circulated as an Iftar Dua. However, because the authenticity of the commonly circulated wording is discussed by scholars, it is better not to present it as an unquestionably established prophetic supplication.
For a concise, documented answer, the dua reported in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357 is a safer choice to teach as the established narration cited above.
Sehri and Iftar: What Is the Difference?
Understanding the difference can make Ramadan easier for beginners and children.
| Sehri / Suhoor | Iftar |
| Before dawn | At sunset |
| Prepare for the fast | Break the fast |
| Eat and drink before fasting begins | Eat and drink after fasting ends |
| Make the intention to fast | Make dua and thank Allah |
| Prepare spiritually for the day | Express gratitude after completing the fast |
Both times are important opportunities to remember Allah.
Why Is the Intention Important?
Fasting is not simply avoiding food and drink. It is an act of worship.
A person fasts because they seek Allah’s pleasure and reward. The Prophet ﷺ described the virtue of fasting Ramadan with sincere faith and hope for reward from Allah.
Therefore, parents can teach children that Ramadan is about more than being hungry. It is also a time to:
- Pray regularly.
- Read the Quran.
- Learn duas.
- Control anger.
- Speak kindly.
- Help others.
- Give charity.
- Avoid sinful behavior.
- Develop patience and self-discipline.
Ramadan Fasting Dua for Kids
Children can learn the basic duas gradually.
Parents can make the learning process simple by teaching one line at a time.
For younger children
Start with:
“I intend to fast for Allah.”
Then teach them the Arabic wording and pronunciation.
For older children
Help them memorize:
- Sehri intention
- Iftar dua
- Basic Ramadan duas
- Short Quranic supplications
- Daily prayers
Parents can also explain the meaning of each dua instead of asking children to memorize Arabic words without understanding them.
Common Mistakes About Sehri and Iftar Duas
1. Thinking a specific Sehri dua is compulsory
There is no need to believe that a particular spoken formula is the only valid way to make the intention.
The intention is fundamentally an act of the heart.
2. Thinking the intention must always be spoken aloud
A person does not need to make a loud announcement that they are fasting.
3. Treating every popular dua as a Hadith
Some duas are widely circulated in books, social media posts, and family traditions. However, popularity does not automatically prove that a wording comes from the Prophet ﷺ.
4. Forgetting the meaning
Children especially benefit when they understand what they are saying.
5. Delaying Iftar unnecessarily
Once sunset has arrived and the fast has ended, Muslims should follow the established guidance of the Sunnah regarding breaking the fast.
6. Focusing only on food
Ramadan is a month of worship, self-discipline, Quran, prayer, charity, and good character—not simply a change in meal times.
Can I Make Dua in My Own Language?
Yes, Muslims can make personal supplications to Allah in their own language, especially when asking Allah for personal needs.
For example, a person can ask Allah in English or Urdu:
“O Allah, forgive me, guide me, bless my family, and accept my fasting.”
Similarly, Urdu-speaking Muslims may make dua in Urdu according to their needs.
Learning Arabic duas is valuable because it helps Muslims learn the supplications transmitted in Islamic sources. However, understanding the meaning is also extremely beneficial.
Quran and Fasting
The Quran provides important guidance about Ramadan and fasting.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah that believers should eat and drink until dawn and then complete the fast until night.
This guidance helps Muslims understand the basic daily structure of the fast:
Sehri → Dawn/Fajr → Daytime Fast → Sunset → Iftar
Ramadan is therefore both a physical and spiritual journey.
Simple Ramadan Dua Routine
Families can use a simple daily routine:
Before Sehri
- Wake up on time.
- Eat Sehri.
- Make the intention to fast.
- Make personal dua.
- Pray Fajr.
During the Day
- Pray the five daily prayers.
- Read Quran.
- Avoid arguments and bad speech.
- Give charity when possible.
- Make dhikr and dua.
At Iftar
- Wait until sunset.
- Break the fast.
- Recite the reported Iftar supplication.
- Make personal dua.
- Pray Maghrib.
This routine can help children understand that fasting is connected to the whole life of a Muslim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dua for Fasting
1. What is the Sehri Dua?
There is no specific authentic prophetic dua that must be recited at Sehri. A commonly taught wording is:
Nawaitu an asuma ghadan lillahi ta’ala.
It expresses the intention to fast for Allah.
2. What is the Iftar Dua?
A supplication reported in Sunan Abi Dawud is:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
It means:
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills.”
3. Is there a specific dua before fasting?
There is no single specific prophetic dua that must be recited before every Ramadan fast. The essential requirement is the sincere intention to fast.
4. When should I make niyyah for fasting?
For Ramadan fasting, the intention should be made before the fasting period begins. The precise rulings regarding intention can vary between schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
5. Can I make niyyah in my own language?
The intention is primarily an intention of the heart. You may understand your intention in your own language. There is no requirement that your heart must formulate the intention in Arabic.
6. What dua should I read at Iftar?
The reported dua from Sunan Abi Dawud is:
Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah.
7. Can children learn these duas?
Absolutely. Children can learn the duas gradually through repetition, pronunciation practice, and understanding the meaning.
8. Is fasting valid without saying the dua aloud?
The intention does not depend on loudly reciting a particular formula. The important matter is the sincere intention to fast.
9. Do I have to memorize the Arabic Sehri Dua?
No particular spoken formula is required simply because it is called a “Sehri Dua.” Learning commonly taught wording can be useful, but the intention itself is what matters.
10. Can I make personal dua during Ramadan?
Yes. Ramadan is an excellent time for sincere supplication. Muslims can ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, mercy, blessings, and help with their personal needs.
Quick Reference: Sehri & Iftar Duas
Sehri / Fasting Intention
Arabic:
نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Transliteration:
Nawaitu an asuma ghadan lillahi ta’ala.
Meaning:
I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah Almighty.
Note: This is a commonly taught formula for expressing the intention, not a required prophetic dua.
Iftar Dua
Arabic:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration:
Dhahaba adh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah.
Meaning:
The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills.
Urdu:
پیاس بجھ گئی، رگیں تر ہوگئیں، اور اللہ نے چاہا تو اجر ثابت ہوگیا۔
The Iftar wording is reported in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357.
Final Thoughts on Dua for Fasting
Learning the correct Dua for Fasting, Sehri intention, and Iftar supplication can make Ramadan more meaningful for Muslims of every age. However, the goal should not be memorization alone. Muslims should also understand the meaning behind their worship.
At Sehri, remember your intention and prepare yourself for a day of worship and patience. During the fast, protect your prayers, speech, actions, and character. At Iftar, thank Allah for His blessings and make sincere dua.
For children, parents can turn this learning into a daily Ramadan activity. Practicing a few words each day can help children build confidence and develop a lifelong connection with Islamic teachings.
If you want to improve your Quran reading, Tajweed, Hifz, Qaida, and Islamic studies, Qtstutor.com provides online Quran learning opportunities for children and adults. Learning with a qualified teacher can help students improve their pronunciation, understanding, and confidence step by step.
May Allah accept our fasting, duas, prayers, Quran recitation, and good deeds. Ameen.