Such as His saying, Most High: “And those who patiently endure, seeking the countenance of their Lord.” [al-Ra'd 13:22] And His saying: “Whoever does that, seeking Allah’s pleasure, We shall grant him a tremendous reward.” [al-Nisa' 4:114]

Should one verbally state the intention? The scholars hold two views on this. (1) The correct view is that one should not state it aloud, and that worshipping Allah by verbally articulating it is a reprehensible innovation, which must be prohibited. This is indicated by the fact that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his Companions never verbally stated the intention at all; nothing of this has been transmitted from them. Had it been legislated, Allah would have made it clear through the words or practice of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.

Thus, verbally stating it is an innovation, whether in prayer, zakah, or fasting.

As for Hajj, it has not been reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I intend to perform Hajj,” or, “I intend such-and-such a rite.” Rather, he recites the talbiyah for Hajj, thereby declaring the intention, while the resolve in the heart—the intention itself—precedes the talbiyah.

However, if a person needs to make a conditional stipulation regarding his pilgrimage rite, he need not verbally state his intention by saying, “I intend such-and-such.” Rather, he may say, “O Allah, if I am prevented by anything, then my place of release is wherever You prevent me,” without verbally articulating the intention.

The well-known position of the school of jurisprudence is that it is recommended to state it quietly, in Hajj and other acts of worship. This is weak for the reasons already mentioned.

As for the view that it is recommended to state it aloud, this is even weaker. It causes evident disturbance to people, especially in congregational prayer. There is no need to verbally articulate the intention, for Allah knows it.