Niyyah (Intention)
The conscious intention in the heart to perform a specific prayer.
Niyyah (Arabic: نية) means "intention" and is a fundamental requirement for all actions in Islam, including prayer. Niyyah is the conscious intention in the heart to perform a specific action for Allah's sake.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what was his intention." Before the prayer, one must have a clear intention about which prayer one will pray (e.g., "I intend to pray the four obligatory rak'ah of the Dhuhr prayer for Allah").
Niyyah is in the heart — it does not need to be spoken aloud, although some schools of law recommend it. The important thing is that one is conscious of what one is doing and that one does it sincerely for Allah's sake. A prayer without niyyah is not valid.
Related terms
Tasbihat al-Zahra (Fatimah's Tasbih)
A special dhikr consisting of 34+33+33 repetitions, taught by the Prophet to his daughter Fatimah.
Tayammum (Dry Purification)
Ritual purification with clean earth, when water is not available.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer)
The third daily prayer, performed in the afternoon.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Mashhad (Imam Reza's City)
The sacred city in Iran with Imam Reza's shrine, Iran's most visited pilgrimage destination.
Ziyarat Ashura (Ashura Visitation Prayer)
A powerful visitation prayer to Imam Husayn, recited daily by many Shia Muslims.