The Fasting of Prophet Dawood (AS): Intention, How to Do It, and Its Benefits

The Fasting of Prophet Dawood (AS), or Puasa Daud as it’s known in Indonesian, is one of the most highly recommended types of voluntary fasts in Islam. It is named after Prophet Dawood (AS), who was known as a devoted servant of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala with unwavering dedication to worship. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) even referred to the fast of Dawood as the most beloved form of fasting in the sight of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Niyyah (Intention) for the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

Here is the niyyah (intention) for this fast, which can be made silently in the heart or spoken out loud at night or before dawn:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ دَاوُدَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma Dauda sunnatan lillâhi ta'âlâ

Meaning: I intend to fast the Sunnah of Dawood for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

If you forget to make the intention at night, you may still make it in the morning, as long as you haven’t eaten, drunk, or done anything that invalidates the fast since the break of dawn.

How to Perform the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

In general, the way this fast is performed is similar to other fasts, but the main difference lies in the pattern. Here's a complete guide:

Alternate-Day Fasting
The Dawood fast is performed by fasting every other day, one day of fasting, followed by one day of not fasting. For example: fast on Monday, skip Tuesday, fast again on Wednesday, and so on.
Begin with Intention
The intention should be made at night or before mid-morning (dhuha time), as long as you haven't consumed anything or broken your fast.
Refrain from Anything That Breaks the Fast
Like all fasts, you must abstain from eating, drinking, and anything that invalidates the fast from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib).
Break the Fast on Time
When the maghrib call to prayer is heard, it is Sunnah to break your fast promptly, preferably with something sweet like dates or plain water.

Benefits of the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

The Dawood fast brings not only immense spiritual rewards but also various physical and mental benefits. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Loved by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala

As stated in a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“The most beloved fasting to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala is the fasting of Dawood. He fasted one day and broke his fast the next.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Builds Consistency and Discipline

Since it is practiced routinely and alternately, this fast helps develop consistent worship habits and strengthens self-discipline over time.

Supports Physical Health

Alternate-day fasting, like the fast of Dawood, is also known in modern medicine as a form of intermittent fasting, which has been shown to help:

Reduce body weight
Boost metabolism
Lower the risk of chronic illnesses

Promotes Self-Control and Increases Taqwa

By fasting, a person learns to control desires, guard their words, thoughts, and actions, and stay on a path that is pleasing to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Let’s Try the Fast of Dawood!

The fast of Prophet Dawood is a highly recommended Sunnah for anyone who is able to observe it. With sincere intention and consistent practice, insyaAllah, we can attain the love of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, maintain our health, and shape ourselves into more disciplined and God-conscious individuals.

Why not give it a try? Start practicing the Dawood fast and feel the blessings for yourself!

The Fasting of Prophet Dawood (AS): Intention, How to Do It, and Its Benefits

Niyyah (Intention) for the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

How to Perform the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

Benefits of the Fasting of Prophet Dawood

Let’s Try the Fast of Dawood!

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