Rulings on Intention (Niyyah) in Salah and the Role of the Heart
Derived from: Fatawa Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1❖ Question:
According to the Hanafi school, is it obligatory (fard) to pronounce the intention for Salah verbally?
❖ Definition of Niyyah:
"الإرادة المتوجهة نحو الفعل لابتغاء مرضاة الله وامتثال حكمه"
“Directing one’s will toward an act for the sake of pleasing Allah and complying with His command.”
(Fath al-Bari)
❖ The Place of Niyyah in Shari‘ah
✔ Intention is an act of the heart, not of the tongue.
✔ What matters is the inner resolve and conscious focus to perform the act for the sake of Allah.
✔ Verbal articulation of the intention is not required by Shari‘ah.
❖ Summary:
❖ Niyyah is established in the heart.
❖ Uttering the intention verbally is not a Shar‘i obligation.
❖ The heart’s awareness and resolve to perform Salah is sufficient and valid.
