Is the intention (Niyyah) to combine prayers a prerequisite for its validity?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
In one of the two established scholarly views, the intention to combine is a condition for the permissibility of combining prayers. This view aligns with the opinion of Abu Bakr. If combining in the time of the first prayer is intended, the place for the intention, according to one view, is at the commencement of the first prayer, analogous to the intention for shortening prayers (Qasr). Alternatively, the intention is valid from the beginning of the first prayer until its conclusion; any time within this span is sufficient, as the actual point of combination occurs between finishing the first and starting the second.
Supporting text
The opposing view does not make the intention a prerequisite. If combining in the time of the second prayer is intended, the time for intention is from the beginning of the first prayer's time until there remains only enough time to perform the first prayer, as delaying beyond that without intention renders it a repayment (Qada') rather than a combination (Jam'). Another view suggests the intention must be made until only enough time remains to catch the second prayer, equivalent to one rak'ah or the opening Takbir.