Is it necessary to say the intention with the tongue?

Question

Are the things that were permissible before the prayer permissible in the prayer after the takbir al-tahrima (opening takbir)? When the imam has already said the takbir al-tahrima, how is it for the muqtadi to make the intention after that, i.e., to repeat the words of the intention with the tongue? Our imam says that the muqtadi [should] say “Allahu akbar” and join the congregation — is what he says correct?

Answer

Absolutely not. [ar]النِّيَّةُ عَزْمُ الْقَلْبِ عَلَى الْفِعْلِ[/ar] “The intention is the heart’s resolve upon the act,” that is, the intention is the name for the heart’s readiness for any act. Verbal affirmation (iqrar) with the tongue is not necessary, yet saying [the intention] with the tongue is not prohibited either.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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