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Fatwa CenterDoes eating and drinking after making an intention affect the validity of fasting?
Question
In the month of Ramadhaan, after having Suhoor meal, I pronounced the intention to fast. Then, afterwards and before the Athaan of Al-Fajr, I ate or rather, more accurately, drank. Does this affect my fasting?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.
First, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is sufficient to make the intention to fast with your heart. You should not utter it because the heart is the place of intentions. Some scholars hold the view that one intention suffices on the first night of every fast in which consecutiveness is obligatory. It is better to make the intention every night to avoid the difference of those who held this as obligatory.
Concerning your question, the answer is: Allaah The Almighty Allowed a fasting person to eat and drink till the light of the morning appears. Allaah The Exalted says (what means): {And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night].} [Quran 2:187]
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "The difference between our fasting and that of the People of the Book is the Suhoor meal." [Muslim]
Scholars recommended delaying Suhoor because this is the Sunnah.
Therefore, there is no harm in eating and drinking after concluding the intention to fast.
Hence, your fasting is valid. Eating and drinking after concluding the intention does not affect fasting.
Allaah Knows best.
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