Ruling on Changing the Intention (Niyyah) During Salah
Question:
Is it permissible to change one’s intention during the prayer? For example, if one begins the prayer with the intention of Sunnah and then, after takbīrat al-taḥrīmah, changes the intention to Witr or a Fard prayer?
Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir حفظه الله
Changing one’s intention during the prayer is permissible. However, this should not be done casually or out of mere preference. If someone feels a genuine need to change the intention or realizes that it is appropriate to do so, then it is allowed. That said, this should not become a habitual practice.
Evidence:
Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنِّي لَأَدْخُلُ فِي الصَّلَاةِ وَأَنَا أُرِيدُ إِطَالَتَهَا، فَأَسْمَعُ بُكَاءَ الصَّبِيِّ فَأَتَجَوَّزُ فِي صَلَاتِي مِمَّا أَعْلَمُ مِنْ شِدَّةِ وَجْدِ أُمِّهِ مِنْ بُكَائِهِ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 709)
Translation:
“I begin the prayer intending to make it long, but upon hearing the crying of a child, I shorten it because I know the distress that his mother feels due to his crying.”
This Hadith indicates that the intention within the prayer can be adjusted based on circumstances and needs.
Position of the Scholars:
Imam Ibn Hazm رحمه الله and other scholars have discussed the matter of changing the niyyah during the prayer, including the question of whether sujūd al-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) is required.
However, in general, it is understood from the scholarly discussions that changing the intention during the prayer is permissible, especially when there is a need or justified reason.
وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ
And Allah knows best.
