Niyyah, (also called niyah, niyya, niyyat or niyat (Arabic: نیّة) is an Islamic concept which is the intention one evokes in his heart to do an act for the sake of Allah (God).[1]
According to Ibn Rajab's Commentary on Imam Nawawi's Forty Hadith: Hadith #1, actions are but by intentions: "'Umar b. al-Khattab narrated that the Prophet (S) said: Deeds are [a result] only of the intentions [of the actor], and an individual is [rewarded] only according to that which he intends."[2]
There is some debate as to the audible utterance of niyyah. Most scholars agree that, since niyyah is spoken from the heart, it does not have to be uttered. Additionally, there is no evidence that the Islamic prophet Muhammad or any of his companions ever uttered a niyyah.[3]
A Muslim must have niyyah before commencing salah (prayer), and in order to commence the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).