Introduction
Sehri ki Dua is the supplication (dua) that Muslims make before starting their fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Sehri (also called Suhoor) is the meal eaten early in the morning before Fajr prayer, and before the fast begins. After eating Sehri, a Muslim makes the intention (niyyah) to fast for the sake of Allah.
In simple words, Sehri ki Dua means making a promise to Allah that you will fast the whole day only to please Him.
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Just like prayer and charity, fasting is an important act of worship. Sehri ki Dua helps a person begin this worship with the right intention and a pure heart.
What Is Sehri?
Sehri (Suhoor) is the early morning meal eaten before sunrise during Ramadan. Muslims wake up before Fajr (the first prayer of the day) to eat and drink. After Fajr time starts, they stop eating and drinking and begin their fast.
Sehri is very important because:
- It gives energy for the whole day.
- It brings blessings.
- It follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to eat Sehri because there is blessing (barakah) in it.
What Is Sehri ki Dua?
Sehri ki Dua is the dua of intention for fasting. In Islam, every action depends on intention. If you fast without intention, your fast is not valid.
The intention does not always have to be said loudly. It can be made in the heart. But many people like to recite a short dua after Sehri to confirm their intention.
Arabic Text of Sehri ki Dua
Here is the commonly recited Sehri ki Dua:
Arabic:
نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى مِنْ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ
English Transliteration
Nawaitu an asuma ghadan lillahi ta’ala min fardi Ramadan.
English Meaning
“I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow for the sake of Allah from the obligatory fast of Ramadan.”
Simple Meaning Explained
This dua simply means:
“O Allah, I am fasting tomorrow only for You and to complete my duty in Ramadan.”
It shows that your fast is not for health, not for weight loss, not to show others, but only to please Allah.
Is Saying the Dua Necessary?
Many scholars explain that:
- Intention (niyyah) is required.
- Saying it aloud is not compulsory.
- Making intention in your heart is enough.
If you wake up for Sehri and plan to fast, that itself shows your intention.
So even if you forget to say the Arabic words, your fast is valid if you intended to fast.
When Should Sehri ki Dua Be Read?
Sehri ki Dua is read:
- After finishing Sehri.
- Before Fajr time starts.
- Before the fast begins.
Once the Fajr azaan starts, eating and drinking must stop.
Importance of Intention (Niyyah) in Islam
In Islam, intention is very important.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
This means:
- If you do something for Allah, you get reward.
- If you do something to show off, you get no reward.
So when you make Sehri ki Dua, you are making your fast pure and sincere.
Why Is Fasting Important in Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.
Fasting in Ramadan teaches:
- Patience
- Self-control
- Discipline
- Kindness toward poor people
- Gratitude for food and water
From Fajr to Maghrib, Muslims:
- Do not eat
- Do not drink
- Avoid bad behavior
- Try to pray more
- Read Quran
- Give charity
Sehri ki Dua is the starting point of this daily worship.
Benefits of Sehri
Sehri has many benefits:
1. Physical Benefits
- Gives energy for the day
- Prevents weakness
- Helps control hunger
2. Spiritual Benefits
- Following Sunnah
- Getting blessings
- Starting day with worship
3. Mental Benefits
- Builds discipline
- Teaches time management
- Strengthens willpower
What Should We Eat in Sehri?
Sehri should be simple and healthy.
Good foods include:
- Fruits
- Milk
- Dates
- Eggs
- Roti or bread
- Oats
- Nuts
- Water
Avoid very oily or spicy food because it can make you thirsty during the day.
What Happens If You Miss Sehri?
If you miss Sehri but had intention to fast, your fast is still valid.
Sehri is Sunnah, not compulsory.
But it is better to wake up because it has blessings.
What If Someone Forgets to Make Intention?
For Ramadan fasts:
- Intention must be made before Fajr.
- If someone forgets but did not eat or drink, scholars differ in opinion.
- It is always safer to make intention at night or during Sehri.
Many people make intention for the whole month on the first night of Ramadan.
Difference Between Sehri ki Dua and Iftar ki Dua
Sehri ki Dua is for starting the fast.
Iftar ki Dua is for breaking the fast at sunset.
Iftar Dua (for information):
Arabic:
اللهم إني لك صمت وعلى رزقك أفطرت
Meaning:
“O Allah, I fasted for You and I break my fast with Your provision.”
Both duas remind us that fasting is only for Allah.
Connection Between Sehri and Quran
Ramadan is special because the Quran was revealed in this month.
Muslims try to:
- Read Quran daily
- Pray Taraweeh
- Increase good deeds
Sehri time is very peaceful. Many people also pray Tahajjud before Sehri.
This makes the early morning very blessed.
Can Children Read Sehri ki Dua?
Yes.
Children who are learning to fast can:
- Practice saying the dua.
- Learn its meaning.
- Slowly build habit.
Even if they are not required to fast, teaching them intention helps them understand worship.
Can Women Read Sehri ki Dua During Periods?
Women who are menstruating do not fast.
So they do not need to make intention for fasting.
But they can:
- Wake up for Sehri
- Pray other duas
- Do dhikr
- Read Islamic books
They can make up missed fasts later.
What Makes a Fast More Rewarding?
Fasting is not just staying hungry.
A good fast means:
- No lying
- No backbiting
- No fighting
- Lowering the gaze
- Speaking kindly
- Helping others
If someone fasts but behaves badly, the reward decreases.
Sehri ki Dua reminds us to keep our fast clean.
Spiritual Feelings During Sehri
Sehri time feels special because:
- The world is quiet.
- Most people are sleeping.
- It feels peaceful.
- It brings family together.
Many families sit together, eat, laugh, and then pray Fajr.
It creates beautiful Ramadan memories.
Common Mistakes During Sehri
- Eating too much.
- Eating very salty food.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Sleeping through Fajr prayer.
- Thinking intention must be long and complicated.
Remember: intention can be simple and short.
Simple Daily Sehri Routine
Here is an easy routine:
- Wake up 30–45 minutes before Fajr.
- Pray Tahajjud (optional).
- Eat healthy Sehri.
- Drink enough water.
- Make intention.
- Pray Fajr.
- Sleep or start your day.
The Beauty of Starting the Day With Allah’s Name
When you begin your day with intention for Allah:
- Your heart feels light.
- Your mind feels calm.
- You feel closer to Allah.
Sehri ki Dua is not just words.
It is a promise.
A promise that today you will control yourself for Allah.
FAQs About Sehri ki Dua
1. Is Sehri ki Dua compulsory to say loudly?
No. Saying it loudly is not compulsory. Intention in the heart is enough.
2. Can I fast without saying the Arabic dua?
Yes. If you intend to fast in your heart, your fast is valid.
3. What time does fasting start?
Fasting starts at Fajr time.
4. Can I eat during azaan?
If it is Fajr azaan, you must stop eating immediately.
5. Is Sehri necessary?
Sehri is Sunnah and full of blessings, but not compulsory.
6. Can I make intention for the whole month?
Yes, many scholars allow making intention for the whole month at once.
7. What if I forget Sehri?
Your fast is still valid if you intended to fast.
8. Is there any specific long dua for Sehri?
No long dua is required. The short intention is enough.
9. Can I drink water after intention?
Yes, until Fajr time starts.
10. Why is intention so important?
Because in Islam, actions are judged by intentions.
Conclusion
Sehri ki Dua is a simple but powerful prayer made before starting the fast in Ramadan. It is the intention to fast only for Allah. The words are short, but the meaning is deep.
Fasting teaches patience, discipline, and gratitude. Sehri gives strength, and the dua gives purpose.
Remember, Allah looks at your heart more than your words. Even a silent intention is enough if it is sincere.
Start your fast with a pure heart, a simple intention, and trust in Allah.
Ramadan Mubarak.
