Is it necessary to have the intention of seeking reward before every act, and is the one who performs an obligatory act of worship rewarded without having the intention of compliance?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not obligatory to bring to mind the intention of "Ihtisab" (seeking reward from Allah) in acts of worship or permissible matters. "Ihtisab" is synonymous with sincerity, and whoever intends a good intention with their action has indeed performed "Ihtisab." "Ihtisab" means seeking Allah's pleasure and reward. Whoever does not intend "Ihtisab" at the beginning of an act of worship will not attain its reward. It is necessary to bring to mind the intention of "Ihtisab" when commencing any act of worship, by intending Allah's pleasure. A person can intend more than one intention in a single act.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/164811
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 164811
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy