Is it obligatory for a Shafiʽi to intend all actions of the prayer along with the intention?
The Shafi’is stipulated that the intention (niyyah) must be conjoined with the takbirat al-ihram. Imam al-Nawawi and Imam al-Ghazali held that customary conjunction, as understood by the general populace, is sufficient. In this, customary presence is enough, meaning that the intention is conjoined with a part of the takbir. Being precise in requiring actual presence for all pillars involves clear hardship and has no supporting evidence. Delving deeply into this matter leads to reprehensible waswasah (obsessive whispering). Waswasah during the takbirat al-ihram is a trick of Satan. It is not obligatory to maintain the intention after the takbir due to the hardship involved, rather it is sunnah.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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