What is the meaning of niyyah (intention) and how is it formed? Is mere knowledge of the act and the intention to perform it sufficient, without verbalization or mental recall? And when is the time for niyyah in wudu’ (ablution): at the first pillar or at the beginning of washing? Does it differ if there are sunnahs (recommended acts)? Is it required in the intention for ghusl (ritual bath) to specify the removal of janabah (major ritual impurity), or is it sufficient to intend ghusl with the intention of worship? Is mere knowledge of the intention to remove janabah sufficient as the core of the niyyah? And can it be generalized that niyyah is the knowledge and intention of worship, while the absence of niyyah is the absence of knowledge or the absence of intention for worship?
Deeds are by intentions, and intention is the aiming at something and the resolve to do it. An act without intention is inconceivable. So, standing up for ablution and performing its acts with the intention of prayer is a sufficient intention. One must turn away from misgivings in this regard. Intention is obligatory for ablution (wudu) and ritual bath (ghusl) because they are acts of worship performed with a specific purpose, such as the intention to remove impurity or to be permitted to pray. The majority of scholars permit the intention to precede the act of worship by a short time. Uttering the intention verbally is among the innovated matters. Obsessive whispering (waswasa) is a single ailment, and its cure is to turn away from it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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