The Effect of Niyyah on Islamic Jurisprudence: A Comparison of Taklifi and Wad'i Rulings

Abstract

The current research, titled "The Effect of Intention (Niyyah) on Islamic Legal Rulings (Ahkām Shar'iyyah): An Usuli Comparative Study between the Mandatory Ruling (Al-Hukm Al-Taklīfī) and the Declaratory Ruling (Al-Hukm Al-Waḍ'ī)," addresses the critical position of intention in the actions and statements of the legally responsible individual (Mukallaf). Intention is considered the pillar of every act, as no action is valid without it. The study aims to clarify the relationship between intention and legal rulings and to resolve some of the ambiguities surrounding this concept. It defines intention linguistically as 'purpose' or 'aim' and technically as the 'purpose of obedience and seeking closeness to God' or 'purposing a thing concurrent with its performance'. The paper confirms the necessity of intention through evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, citing the prophetic hadith: "Actions are but by intentions...". The research establishes a detailed relationship between intention and the two main types of legal rulings. It finds that the Mandatory Ruling (Al-Hukm Al-Taklīfī), which includes obligation, recommendation, prohibition, dislike, and permissibility, is contingent upon intention, meaning the act of the Mukallaf is invalid without it. This is because accountability (Thawāb and 'Iqāb) is tied to the intentional and voluntary action of the individual. Conversely, the Declaratory Ruling (Al-Hukm Al-Waḍ'ī), which includes causality (Sabab), condition (Sharṭ), impediment (Māni‘), validity (Ṣaḥīḥ), and invalidity (Fāsid), does not necessarily require intention. Declaratory rulings may occur even if the act lacks intention, as they can relate to non-human actions (like the sun's declining) or to the acts of the sleeper, the forgetful, or the insane. The study concludes that intention is an essential component of the Mandatory Ruling, but not necessarily a condition for the Declaratory Ruling, and it distinguishes habits from acts of worship, potentially transforming a habit into worship through good intention.