What is the ruling regarding the timing of the intention (Niyyah) relative to the acts of purification?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The intention must precede all purification acts because it is a prerequisite for them; therefore, its presence must be established in all parts of the act. Any required act of purification performed before the intention is not counted. It is recommended to form the intention before washing the hands so that the intention encompasses both the obligatory and recommended parts of purification. If the hands are washed before the intention, it is deemed as if they were not washed. A slight temporal separation between the intention and the purification is permissible, similar to the ruling in prayer, but a prolonged separation invalidates it. It is recommended to maintain the presence of the intention until the end of the purification so that the actions correspond with the intention; if the ruling effect of the intention is maintained, it suffices, meaning one does not intend to cut off the intention. If the intention momentarily slips the mind or one becomes distracted, it does not nullify the intention, as that which requires intention, like prayer or fasting, is not invalidated by momentary absence of mind.
Supporting text
If one cuts off the intention midway, such as intending not to complete the purification or intending the washing for a purpose other than purification, the previous washing is not voided as it occurred correctly. However, any washing performed after cutting the intention is not recognized because it occurred without its condition. If the washing is repeated with a renewed intention before a long separation, the purification is valid due to the subsequent consecutive and intended acts. If the separation is long, the validity depends on the ruling regarding mandatory sequence (Muwalah) in ablution; if sequence is obligatory, the purification is voided due to its lapse, but if not obligatory, it is completed.