Pronouncing Intention.

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 3 Jamad-ul-Awwal 1423, 14 July 2002


Q.) Before every prayer (Salat) the intention (Niyat) is necessary. I am from Mauritius and here the Imam says that pronouncing or reciting the Niyat (as I have learnt from books) is a bid'ah. Same for ablution and Ghusl. Is it true? What is the Shar'ee ruling of making verbal intention for Salat?

A.) Niyyat (intention) of the heart for Salat is sufficient. Verbal intention is not necessary. However, if one requires to make a verbal intention to gather his concentration, then it is permissible. A simple statement, 'I am offering Dhuhr Salat (for example) behind this Imaam.' will suffice. (Ahsanul Fataawa vol.3 pg.14; HM Saeed). And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best