varies from one nation to another. Moreover, the language of some nations may convey meaning more fully than that of others, and some expressions within a language convey meaning more fully than others.

The religion common to all concerns the intention of the heart, but bodily action is indispensable for bringing that intention to completion and perfection. Bodily deeds have therefore varied accordingly; their variety also reflects the requirements of Allah’s will, His mercy towards His servants, and His wisdom in what He commands. Both kinds of intention are obligatory because Allah has required us to uphold His religion according to the revealed law with which He sent His Messenger Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He does not accept that we worship Him according to any other revealed law.

The prescribed acts of worship consist of specific words and deeds, for which particular times, places, and characteristics may be stipulated. Whenever we are obliged to worship Allah and to perform that worship in a particular manner, we are obliged to intend Him with the intention by which we become His worshippers, and to have the intention by which we worship Him through the very deed He has commanded.

Know, then, that intentions may be present in general terms or in detail, and they may arise by implication. Intentions may also differ in merit, such that the obligation is discharged by the least of them, while greater merit belongs to whoever fulfils the highest. Something may be intended through the second intention without the first. A person may then be conscious of the second intention while being heedless of the first. For a person, in