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
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Fajr (Dawn Prayer)
The first of the five daily prayers, performed at dawn.
Adl (God's Justice)
The doctrine of God's absolute justice — the second article of faith in Shia Islam.
Sawm (Fasting)
Islamic fasting from dawn to sunset, closely connected with prayer.
Sahih Muslim (Muslim's Authentic Collection)
The second most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
The exclamation "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking transitions in the prayer.