and may precede it by a short interval. Hence he said, “He forms the intention along with the opening takbir,” meaning that he makes the intention coincide with the opening takbir. Thus, when he wishes to pronounce the takbir, he pronounces it while intending, within the takbir itself, that it is, for example, the noon prayer.

“He may also make it beforehand by a short interval within the prescribed time. But if he abandons it during the prayer, or hesitates, it becomes invalid …”

His statement, “He may also make it beforehand by a short interval within the prescribed time,” means that he may form the intention before the opening takbir, but only by a short interval, and on the further condition that it be within the prescribed time. Thus, if he intends the prayer before its time begins, even by a short interval, then the time begins and he prays without renewing his intention, his prayer is invalid, because the intention preceded the prescribed time.

But if he forms the intention during the prescribed time, then occupies himself with something for a short while and subsequently pronounces the opening takbir, his prayer is valid, because the interval is short. If the interval is long, the apparent meaning of the author’s words is that the intention is invalid, due to the separation between it and the act intended.

Some scholars said, rather, that it is valid so long as he has not intended to revoke it (1), because the ruling of his intention remains in effect so long as he does not intend to revoke it. Thus, when this man hears the call to prayer, he rises and performs ablution in order to pray; then the intention passes from his mind, and when the prayer is commenced, he enters the prayer without forming a new intention. According to the author’s view, the prayer is invalid, because the intention preceded the act by a long interval. According to the second view, however, the prayer is valid, because he did not revoke the first intention, and its ruling therefore remains in effect until the act is performed. This view is more correct, due to the general import of the Prophet’s saying, “Actions are only by intentions” (2). This man intended to pray, and nothing occurred that would revoke his intention.