ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Radiance of the Secrets of Prayer Intention {niyyah} Since intention { niyyah } is the criterion of value in every act including worship, it is the first obligatory act in prayer. Considering its importance, a separate and lengthy chapter has been included for the examination of its dimensions, with the hope that by doing so, we would succeed in giving more value to all devotional acts.

Intention {niyyah} as the criterion of value The element that gives importance to a person’s action is his intention, motive or objective. So, in the verses of the Qur’an, the phrase “in the way of Allah” { fi sabilillah } is often used (seventy times), and thus a warning for people to ensure that their actions and intentions be in the way of God, and not for the sake of other than God or their own carnal desires.

Like a dangerous read in which many signboards have been set up, servitude of God is also like a way which has many precipices; and all of these emphasizes is a warning for avoiding deviations. This is particularly true with respect to devotional acts which without the purest of intentions, lose all hope of seeking nearness to God. Intention is the pillar of worship. If an action is done without intention, or has an ungodly intention behind it, it will be invalid { batil }.

Intention is the pillar of worship and the essence and foundation of action. The most sacred acts are spoiled because of the mixed intentions behind them, while the simplest acts gain in value on account of the purely good intentions behind them.