Ramadan In focus- Part 6 ( How to begin the fast)

The fast begins with the Sehri meal, which is taken a little while before the dim beginning of dawn. The Holy Prophet himself was very particular about the Sehri meal. Hadrat Anas says when the Holy Prophet intended to observe fast, he would say:  

“I have the intention of observing fast: give me something to eat. Then I would present before him some dates and a tumbler of water.”

The Holy Prophet would urge his followers to also eat the Sehri meal regularly:

“Do take your Sehri meal , because the Sehri meal has many blessings in it.”

One blessings is that the faster does not feel undue weakness during his daily work, and his devotion to Allah, and can easily stand the rigours of fast. The Holy Prophet once remarked:

“Take support from the Sehri meal, for fasting the day, and take help from midday nap of the night prayer”.

Thus, the Sehri is a sunnah of the Prophet.  Even if a Muslim does not feel like taking a full meal, he should at least have a few draughts of milk or water. The Holy Prophet said:

“ Eating of the Sehri meal, is full of blessings, so never go without it, even if it be draught of water, because Allah sends his mercy on those who take the Sehri meal, and the angels implore for Allah’s forgiveness for them.” (Al-targhib)

It is commendable deserving of great reward to delay the Sehri meal, and eat it a little while before the dim beginning of dawn.

Fast Observed Without the Sehri meal

If a person could not get up in time for the Sehri meal, he should not abandon the fast, but should have strength to observe it as a normal fast. Even if a person gets up late, and eats his Sehri meal, thinking that there is still time for it, he should abstain from eating and drinking during the day like other fasters, though in this case, he would not be observing a valid fast. 

All the the information above was taken from:

Everyday Fiqh Vol II, By Muhammad Y. Islahi (Islamic Publications LTD, Lahore, Pakistan) 

THE INTENTION

The intention of fasting is necessary. If a person stays away from all those things that break one’s fast without an intention, the fast will not be valid.

It is not necessary to express the intention verbally as intention simply means to intend. Thus, the firm determination of the heart will suffice. However, it is better to express the intention verbally also: Bi sawmi ghadin nawaytu (‘And I intend to fast tomorrow’)
(from:http://islamqa.org/hanafi/qibla-hanafi/35333)