It is divided into two categories:
- The intention regarding the One for whom the deed is done.
- The intention of the deed itself.
As for the intention of the deed, this is what the jurists discuss, because by intention they mean the intention through which an act of worship is distinguished from a habitual act, and through which acts of worship are distinguished from one another.
As for the intention regarding the One for whom the deed is done, this is what those devoted to spiritual wayfaring discuss. It is mentioned under the subject of tawhid (affirming Allah’s oneness), and it is greater than the former. Thus, the intention regarding the One for whom the deed is done is more important than the intention of the deed itself, because the validity of the act depends upon it. Allah Most High says in a sacred hadith: “I am the One least in need of partners. Whoever performs a deed in which he associates another with Me, I abandon him and his association.” (1)
Through the intention of the deed, acts of worship are distinguished from non-acts of worship, and acts of worship are distinguished from one another. Thus, one intends that this is an act of worship, that it is a prayer, and that it is obligatory or voluntary, and so forth. The Prophet ﷺ indicated the significance of intention when he said: “Actions are judged only by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended.” (2)
Both matters must be observed together.
First: the intention regarding the One for whom the deed is done—such that one’s intention is purely for Allah. If this intention is mixed with an intention for other than Allah, it is invalidated. Thus, if a man stands to pray so that people may see him, his prayer is invalid, because he has not made his intention sincere for the One for whom the deed is done, namely Allah.