Shaafi’ Wudhu Masaail (5)

3.1. Niyyat (Intention)

1. Niyyat means: to intend a particular action precisely at the time of doing it.
2. It is waajib for the intention and action to be simultaneous. This rule does not apply to fasting, however. In Saum (fasting) it is waajib for the Niyyat to be made at night before Subh Saadiq.
3. It suffices to make the intention in the heart and mind. Expressing the intention verbally is mustahab.
4. Niyyat for wudhu can be made in several ways, viz.:
5. Niyyat of Rafa’ Hadath, that is, intending the expunging of the ruling of hadath. One may say in Arabic:

نَوَيْتُ رَفْعَ الْحَدَثِ

“I intend the removal of hadath.”

All forms of Ibaadat which require wudhu can be offered with a wudhu made with the niyyat of rafa’ hadath.

Note: One whose hadath is continuous, such as a woman experiencing istihaazah or a person suffering from incontinence or continuous emission of wind due to flatulence, cannot make intention of rafa’ hadath. Such a person has to compulsory make intention of istibaahat which is explained in (b) hereunder.

(Al-Mabsoot – To be continued, Insha Allah)