to satisfy my hunger,” and “I intend to wear this garment to cover myself,” and similar intentions already present in the heart, which it is unbecoming to articulate. Allah Most High says:

“Are you informing Allah of your religion, when Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth?”

Concerning His words:

“We feed you only for the sake of Allah,”

some of the early generations said: “They did not say this with their tongues. Rather, Allah knew it from their hearts and reported it on their behalf.”

In short, the intention must be present in the heart; there is no disagreement about this. As for verbalizing it quietly, later scholars disagree over whether this is disliked or recommended. Saying it aloud, however, is disliked, prohibited, and not prescribed, by agreement of the Muslims. Repeating it is still more objectionable. This applies equally to the imam, those praying behind him, and anyone praying alone. By agreement of the Muslims, none of them is prescribed to voice the intention aloud or repeat it; rather, they are forbidden to do so.

Indeed, even someone praying alone is not prescribed to recite aloud if doing so disturbs others. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, came out to his Companions while they were praying and said:

“O people, each of you is conversing privately with his Lord, so do not raise your voices over one another in recitation.”

As for someone praying behind an imam, the Sunnah is for him to recite quietly, by agreement of the Muslims. However, if he occasionally raises his voice