What is the ruling on the timing of the intention relative to the opening *Takbir* (Allahu Akbar) in prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible for the intention to precede the *Takbir* by a slight amount of time. However, if the interval is prolonged or if the person dissolves their intention during the interval, the prayer is not valid. This position is held by our companions and is the established view of Abu Hanifa. The evidence for this is derived from the command to worship Allah with sincerity (Quran 5:5), where sincerity (*Ikhlas*) is the intention, and the general principle that actions are judged by intentions (Hadith).
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i and Ibn al-Mundhir stipulate that the intention must coincide with the *Takbir*. Their evidence is that the prerequisite (intention) cannot be absent from the act of worship, similar to other conditions. Our proof, however, is that since the intention for fasting is permitted to precede the act, the intention for prayer should also be permissible to precede the physical act without invalidating the sincerity or the act itself, similar to the case of Zakat paid through an agent.