What is the ruling on forming the intention to fast before nightfall? I have a missed fast day from Ramadan that I intend to make up tomorrow. Is it valid to make the intention before sunset, or is it a condition that I form the intention on the night preceding the day of fasting?

Forming the intention for an obligatory fast must occur during the night. Its earliest time begins at sunset, the beginning of the night preceding the day of fasting; it is not valid to form it before this time.

The intention is required in all acts of worship. With respect to fasting, the intention must be formed during the preceding night, as mentioned above, referred to as tabyeet an-niya. This is premised on the hadith of the Mother of the Believers, Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever does not form the intention to fast before dawn, his fast is not valid” (recorded by Abu Dawud, al‑Nasa`i, and at-Tirmidhi in their Sunan).

What is required with respect to the intention for fasting Ramadan is the intention of worship and drawing close to Allah Almighty by fulfilling the obligation of abstaining from everything that invalidates the fast during the fasting hours. Jurists from the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence unanimously agree that the intention for fasting must be formed after sunset on the night preceding the fast. Thus, it is not valid to form the intention for the next day’s fast before sunset on the preceding day.[1]

 

The ruling

Based on above, forming the intention for an obligatory fast must take place at night, starting from sunset on the day preceding the fast. In the case mentioned in the question, your intention to make up your fast day of Ramadan is not valid unless it is made after sunset of the night of the intended fast.

And Allah Almighty knows best.