Niyyah
Niyyah is the intention behind an act of worship — what someone is doing, and why. Prayer, fasting, and the pilgrimage rites all require a specific niyyah to count. It is a matter of the heart, not something spoken aloud.
Often appears in
See the term in context
What is the difference between sincerity (ikhlas) and intention (niyyah)?
Sincerity (Ikhlas) is the act of dedicating one's deeds solely to Allah Almighty, purifying them from any impurities. Intention (Niyyah), on the other hand, is the resolve of the heart and the purpose behind an action.…
Is the Imam's audible declaration of intention (niyyah) in the Shaf' and Witr prayers valid, and what should the worshippers do if they do not know the Imam's intention, and what is the ruling on joining the Imam's prayer without knowing his intention?
Uttering the intention (niyyah) is not legislated in acts of worship; its place is in the heart. If the Imam is performing the Witr prayer, the worshiper (ma'mum) must follow him. If it is the Imam's custom to pray a…
Is intention (niyyah) obligatory for prayer, and should the prayer be repeated if it was forgotten?
Scholars have unanimously agreed on the obligation of intention (niyyah) for prayer, and that it is not valid without it. There is no harm in preceding the takbīrat al-iḥrām with the intention by a short time, though…
Questions that use it
Is it permissible for the one who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and spends much time in ablution (wudu'), ritual bathing (ghusl), and forming intentions (niyyah), to perform tayammum (dry ablution) in order to catch the Fajr prayer if only fifteen minutes remain before its time expires? And does the ruling regarding the uncertainty of urine drops exiting also apply to prostatic fluid (madhiy) that may exit without feeling it?
"Is it permissible to take back a divorced wife during her waiting period (iddah) with only the intention (niyyah), without seeing her until after it ends, and continuing to provide for her? "
Should one abandon the re-recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah and the takbirat al-ihram when in doubt about them due to waswasah (obsessive whispering), and suffice with the prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw)? Or should one act upon the predominant assumption, even though they are pillars of the prayer? And how should the intention (niyyah) be made in prayer?