and Muslims generally perform ablution only with intention. Ablution without intention is rare, occurring only when, for example, someone wishes to teach another person, or in similar circumstances. The majority say:

This ablution customarily performed by Muslims is the ablution prescribed by Islamic law, with which prayer is valid. No other form falls within the scope of the Lawgiver’s statements, such as the Prophet’s saying, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“The prayer of any one of you who breaks his state of ritual purity is not accepted until he performs ablution.”

Those addressed recognize the commanded ablution only as the ablution he praised and encouraged. They recognize no other form, so he does not intend to include any other form within the general scope of his words, nor does the text encompass it.

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As for intention in the sense of sincere devotion to Allah in religion, people have discussed its definition and that of sincerity. For example, some have said:

“The sincere person is one who would not mind losing all standing in people’s hearts for the sake of keeping his heart sound before Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and who does not wish people to know of even the tiniest amount of his deeds.”

They have made other fine statements of this kind. However, their words imply sincerity in all deeds, and this is not attained by everyone—indeed, not by most people. Rather, most Muslims are sincere towards Allah in many of their deeds, as they are in the deeds they have in common