How to make the intention for prayer

Question

Among us there is some disagreement regarding the intention (niyya). People make the intention like this: “I intend for the fard prayer, I pray the fard, for Allah, four rak‘as, Allahu akbar,” and they do the same for the sunna, [adding]: “my face toward the noble Ka‘ba, Allahu akbar.” I told them to make the intention only like this: “I intend this prayer for Allah, four rak‘as of fard prayer,” and let him also name whichever time it is.

Answer

The way those people make the intention is also correct, and the intention you described is also fine. One should not get entangled with uninformed people in matters of this kind. It should only be kept in mind that when the prayer is in congregation, the muqtadi (follower) should also intend “behind this imam.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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