Complete Guide to the Intentions of Eid al-Adha Fasting on the First and Second Days That You Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - As the day of Idul Adha approaches, Muslims are encouraged to observe two very special Sunnah fasts: the Tarwiyah Fast and the Arafah Fast. These two fasts are performed on the 8th and 9th of Dzulhijjah, just before the arrival of the Eid al-Adha. Although they are Sunnah, these fasts offer extraordinary merits, including the forgiveness of sins for two years! However, to attain these merits, having the correct intention in accordance with Islamic law is very important.

The intention is a prerequisite for the validity of worship, and this is something that every Muslim must understand. The intention can be recited either at night or in the morning before dawn, and it should be done with full awareness and sincerity.

Although fasting in the month of Dzulhijjah is allowed from the 1st, the most recommended fasts are on the 8th and 9th, namely the Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts.

1. Day One: The Meaning and Intention of the Tarwiyah Fast (8 Dzulhijjah)

The Tarwiyah fast is observed on the 8th of Dzulhijjah and marks the beginning of two important days leading up to Idul Adha. The name "Tarwiyah" comes from the word "rawa" which means to think or reflect. This day commemorates the reflection of Prophet Ibrahim AS when he received the command through a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismail AS.

Through the Tarwiyah fast, Muslims are invited to emulate the spiritual process and steadfastness of Prophet Ibrahim. This is a moment to reflect on the meaning of obedience, sacrifice, and purity of intention in carrying out the commands of Allah SWT. Although it is only one day, this fast has profound spiritual value and strengthens a servant's faith.

To perform the Tarwiyah fast, here is the intention that is recited:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ تَرْوِيَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰيلَهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillâhi ta‘âlâ."

Meaning: "I intend to fast the Tarwiyah sunnah for the sake of Allah ta'ala."

2. Second Day: The Virtue and Intention of Arafah Fasting (9 Dzulhijjah)

The 9th of Dzulhijjah is known as Arafah Day, which is the peak of the pilgrimage where pilgrims perform wuquf at the Plain of Arafah. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, it is highly recommended to fast on this day. The fast of Arafah has extraordinary virtues: it erases sins from the previous year and the following year.

This fast is not recommended and is even discouraged for those who are performing the Hajj. For those of us who are not performing Hajj, it is certainly highly recommended. This means that this moment is a great opportunity to cleanse oneself of sins and draw closer to Allah.

Here is the intention for Arafah fasting:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰيهِ تَعَالَى

“Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillâhi ta‘âlâ.”

Meaning: “I intend to fast the Sunnah of Arafah for the sake of Allah ta’ala.”

3. When and How to Read the Intention for Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasting

In general, the intention for fasting is recited from the evening after Maghrib until before dawn the next day. However, since this is a Sunnah fast, the intention can still be made in the morning, as long as one has not eaten, drunk, or done anything that invalidates the fast. This is based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself.

In a hadith, the Prophet once made the intention for a Sunnah fast in the morning after ensuring he had not eaten or drunk. This shows that there is some flexibility in Sunnah worship compared to obligatory fasting. Nevertheless, it is better to make the intention at night so that the worship feels more complete.

To be more specific, here are the times for the intention:

Evening (before sleeping): Ideal and preferable.

Morning (before Dhuhr): Allowed, as long as the fast has not been invalidated. The way to intend is simply to say it in the heart or to lightly pronounce it without a loud voice.

4. The Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Eid al-Adha Fasting

The significance of Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting is not only spiritual but also impacts the physical and mental aspects. This fast trains absolute obedience, patience, and love for Allah. Physically, fasting aids in detoxification, lowers blood sugar levels, and improves the body's metabolism.

Many nutritionists state that fasting can reset the digestive system and enhance mental focus. This makes it not only an act of worship but also a natural therapy for the body. In the context of Arafah, this fast becomes a way to align the soul and body in worship.

Additionally, Arafah fasting provides an extraordinary spiritual effect. It symbolizes "cleansing oneself" before the feast day, just as Muslims cleanse themselves of sins before celebrating the victory of sacrifice and obedience. It is not just about refraining from hunger, but about strengthening the soul.

5. Fasting as Preparation to Welcome the Eid al-Adha

As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts serve as a kind of spiritual "warm-up." This fasting leads the soul to a point of humility and mental readiness for sacrifice. In this process, a Muslim learns that sacrifice is not only about slaughtering animals but also about sacrificing ego and sins.

Those who observe this fast will welcome Eid al-Adha with a cleaner, calmer, and more grateful heart. This is an ideal time for introspection, strengthening relationships, and understanding sacrifice not just as a ritual but also as a life lesson.

As a series of profound worship, this fast is best performed fully—two consecutive days. And most importantly, sincere and correct intentions are what differentiate mere hunger from a truly meaningful fast.

6. FAQ

Q: Is the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting mandatory to perform?

A: Both are highly recommended sunnah fasts, but they are not obligatory.

Q: When is the right time to intend to fast?

A: The intention should ideally be made at night before sleeping, or it can also be made after dawn with a change in wording.

Q: What are the virtues of Arafah fasting?

A: Arafah fasting can erase sins from the past year and the coming year for those who perform it sincerely.

Q: What is the procedure for the Idul Adha prayer?

A: The Idul Adha prayer is performed in two rakaats with seven takbirs in the first rakaat and five takbirs in the second rakaat, followed by a sermon.

(kpl/rmt)