Who are the people of spiritual conduct (Ahl al-Suluk)? Is the intention to comply with Allah’s command obligatory before performing an act of worship? And is the intention to begin the prayer and the opening takbir obligatory?
The science of behavior (Ilm al-Suluk) is the knowledge of the path leading to Allah Almighty, how to traverse it, and how to avoid its pitfalls. Intention () in this context means sincerity to Allah and avoidance of ostentation (riya'), which is obligatory for the acceptance of deeds, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincerely obedient to Him, inclining to truth" and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, actions are by intentions." As for the intention to comply with Allah's command, it is recommendable, not obligatory. The worshiper must intend the specific prayer he wishes to perform (such as Dhuhr or Asr), and the intention for parts of the prayer is not required. One must beware of obsessive doubts (waswasah) concerning intention, due to the great evil it leads to.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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