Niyah (Intention)

Every Islamic 'Ibadah (Act of Worship) begin with a Niyah (Intention).

Niyah (Intention) for any 'Ibadah (Act of Worship) like Salah (Prayer) or Sawm (Fasting) is not to be articulated in any specific words or sentences. Niyah (Intention) is always done silently in one's heart.

Niyah (Intention) for observing a Fast is also done silently in heart without uttering any specific words or sentences in Arabic or any other language.

Niyah or intention is the determination/will to observe the fast. It is not necessary to pronounce any specific words or verses for the Niyah, because it is something that relates to one’s heart. So if one has decided in one’s heart to observe fast, it means he has made the Niyah for the Fast.

Contrary to the widely circulated belief, there are no specific words which need to be recited before commencing a Fast. There is no record of any specific Niyah (Intention) for observing a Fast in any authentic Sunnah (Tradition of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Articulation of Niyah (Intention) for various Islamic 'Ibadah (Act of Worship), in specific words is a recent Bid'ah (Innovation). Bid'ah (Innovation) is unlawful in Islam, as nothing could be added to it or substracted from it, after Allah (God) perfected it on His last Messenger, Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم.

Literal meanings of the word Bid’ah are a novelty, innovation in religion, hearsy. (A Dictionary of Islamic Terms, Al-Yamamah, Damascus)

There are only two sources of Islamic knowledge – The Holy Qur-an and the authentic Sunnah (Traditions) of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , which Muslims are supposed to follow.

The religion of Islam was completed by Allah (God) in the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , without any doubt. If anyone says otherwise, he is disbelieving the Word of Allah (God), which is the gravest sin of all.
In other words, we cannot do anything in the name of religion, whcih the last Messenger of Allah, Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم did bot do.

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , at the time of Hajjatul Vada” (Farewell Hajj) in the year 10 Hijrah, concluded his last Khutbah (Sermon) by raising his finger to heavens: "Be my Witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people."

There is absolutely no room for any improvement, additions or subtractions in the religion of Islam after Allah (God) has perfected it and the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم had delivered its completed version to his Sahabah (Companions).