ILM AL-HÂL

111 NIYYAH (INTENTION) The sixth condition of Salâh is Niyyah (intention). It is the will of performing a particular Salâh for the pleasure of Allâh تعالــى and to be aware fully which Salâh is to be performed. Niyyah is done silently in the heart. It can also be done by uttering with the tongue while being conscious in the heart. If Niyyah is done only by the tongue, without consciousness in the heart, such a Niyyah is not valid. Regarding the matter of Niyyah, Imâm Rabbânî قدسسره said the following: “The Niyyah done merely by uttering words with the tongue is not valid unless with a fully conscious mind in the heart. Because, many people neglect the Niyyah in the heart by merely intending with the utterance of the tongue with an absent state of mind. Therefore, niyyah in the heart, which is one of the conditions of Salâh, is not achieved thus Salâh will not be acceptable. It is, therefore, necessary to make the intention in the heart and not merely with the utterance of the tongue. One should specify their intention in Fardh, Eid and Witr Salâh.” 6 For instance, “I have intended for today’s Fajr Salâh, Jumu’ah Salâh, Witr Salâh or Eid Salâh.” On the other hand, for Nâfilah (optional) Salâh (prayers), it is enough to intend to perform “Salâh” without any specifications. 6  Maktûbât Al-Sharîfah of Imâm Rabbânî (Q.S.), Volume 1- Letter Number 186