Should a Muslim verbalize the intention when performing acts of worship?
The intention () for acts of worship resides in the heart and does not require verbal articulation, by the consensus of the imams of Islam. Scholars have differed on the desirability of verbally expressing the intention, holding two views. The sounder view is that verbal articulation is not desirable because it is an innovation (bid'ah) that was not transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from his Companions. In fact, verbally expressing the intention indicates a deficiency in intellect and religion. Intention follows knowledge; whenever a servant knows what he is doing, he has necessarily intended it. The imams have agreed that voicing the intention aloud and repeating it is not legislated.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 25920
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy