What to intend in Prayer

‘Abdullâh b. Mubârak said:

I asked Sufyân Al-Thawrî, “When a man stands to pray, what should he intend by his recitation and prayer?” He replied, “He should intend that he is personally entreating his Lord.”

Muhammad b. Nasr Al-Marwazî, Ta’dhîm Qadr Al-Salâh Vol. 1 p199.

More:

  1. Who to Love and Trust, Hate and Suspect [signs of sincerity]
  2. Umar’s Instructions on the First Night of Ramadan
  3. Intentions First
  4. Chosen Opportunities from Allah
  5. The Hated Muezzin
  6. Weapons of Mass Distinction
  7. More time for the Hereafter

January 13, 2008

Topics: intentions, prayer

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4 Responses to “What to intend in Prayer”

  1. SaqibSaab on May 19, 2009 13:40

    Assalaamu alaykum,

    Excellent.

    Can you please post the Arabic text of the question to Sufyan Al-Thawri and his answer? I'm particularly looking for the word "entreat" in Arabic.

    JazakAllah khair

  2. Owais Al-Hashimi on May 19, 2009 17:24

    Wa alaykumus-salam,
    Barakallahu feekum. Here’s the Arabic from the original reference. Not something I can do often, but hope it’s useful this time.
    عن عبد الله بن المبارك ، قال : سألت سفيان الثوري قلت : الرجل إذا قام إلى الصلاة ، أي شيء ينوي بقراءته وصلاته ؟ قال : ينوي أنه يناجي ربه

  3. Fatimah on June 26, 2010 08:08

    Good Answer!

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