He was asked about a man who, when praying at night, forms his intention and says, “I am praying my portion for the night.”

He answered:

This expression, “I am praying my portion for the night,” has not been transmitted from the early generations of the Muslim community or its leading scholars. What is prescribed is to intend to pray for Allah, whether by night or by day. He is not required to express his intention verbally. If he does express it, saying, “I am offering the night prayer for Allah,” or “I am praying the night vigil,” or something similar, that is permissible but not recommended. Rather, following the Sunnah is preferable. Allah knows best.

He was asked about a man who caught one unit of prayer with the congregation. When the imam concluded the prayer with the salutation, he stood to complete his prayer. Another man then came and prayed with him. Is it permissible to take this follower as one’s imam?

He answered:

As for the first man, there are two opinions concerning his prayer in the school of Ahmad and elsewhere. The correct view, however, is that this is permissible, and this is the view of most scholars, provided that the imam intends to lead and the follower intends to follow. If, however, the follower intends