Question : A question was asked regarding whether it is valid to speak one’s intention (niyya) aloud [before an act of worship].

Fatwa in Brief: As this was not practiced by the Prophet (upon him be peace) or by his Companions, the uttering of one’s intention [out loud before an act of worship] is a reprehensible innovation.

Shaykh Ibn Baz, Fatawi al-Mar’a, p. 29

Response:

The Shafi‘i scholars observed that there is no harm in speaking one’s intention aloud. Indeed, [in their opinion], it is even recommended (Sunna) to do so, on the grounds that the tongue helps the heart [to learn]. However, if s/he does not utter the intention (niyya), a Muslim’s prayer is still valid.

Commentary:

The intention signifies one’s purpose, and [deciding on] one’s purpose is an action of the heart. Hence, the intention should not be uttered before praying, or before other acts of worship. And the acceptance [by God] of one’s prayer does not depend upon the speaking of one’s niyya, whether in secret or in public. Nevertheless, the Shafi‘is observed that there is no harm in uttering one’s intention [before an act of worship]. Indeed, in this [the Shafi‘i] school, it is even recommended (Sunna) to do so on the grounds that the tongue helps the heart. [As the Shafi‘is realize, however] If one does not speak one’s intention, the validity of the prayer is not in question – providing that God wills it to be and – so long as the necessary factors are also present, such as reverence and sincerity.

The Malikis rule that the pronouncing of one’s intention is not in accordance with Islam, except when a Muslim fears that s/he may be vulnerable to the whispers (waswasa) of Satan. In this case, it is strongly recommended to voice the intention aloud. Likewise, while the Hanafis rule that speaking one’s intention is an innovation (bid‘a) – on the grounds that neither the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) nor his Companions were reported to have done so – they also [like the Malikis] recommend doing so to ward off the undesired attentions of Satan during prayer.

In conclusion, scholars hold a variety of opinions regarding this specific matter. In each case, they are able to summon evidence. The ruling [i.e. that of Ibn Baz] that categorically dismisses this matter as a reprehensible innovation is unsupported, as there are worthy scholars [the Shafi‘is] who tolerate or even recommend its practice; indeed, this is generally true when worshippers fear the corrupting influence of Satan [on their worship]. Place in mind, then, that uttering the intention [prior to prayer and other acts of worship] is not necessarily harmful, but could be of benefit.

In the Fatwa Centre, under the supervision of Dr. ‘Abdullah al-Faqih:

Among the people of knowledge, there are those who consider speaking one’s intention aloud to be an innovation. Likewise, among the people of knowledge there are those who generally recommend doing so [the Shafi‘is]; or [the final option] recommend doing so when Muslims feel vulnerable to the whispers of Satan.[1]

And God knows best.

Dr. Ahmad ‘Id