Is a new intention required for each day of obligatory fasting (like Ramadan)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
A new intention is required for every day of obligatory fasting. This is the position held by Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi'i, and Ibn al-Mundhir. The evidence for this is that the fast is obligatory, thus requiring an intention each night, similar to making up missed fasts (Qada). Furthermore, these days are acts of worship where the corruption of one does not corrupt the others, and there are intervening circumstances that necessitate daily renewal, paralleling the ruling for Qada, which distinguishes it from the first day.
Supporting text
It is sufficient to have a single intention for the entire month if one intends to fast the whole month. This view is held by Ahmad, Malik, and Ishaq. The reasoning provided is that the intention was made during a period whose type is valid for the intention of fasting, similar to intending on the night of each day.