نية
niyyah
niyyah is the Arabic word for 'intention'.
In an Islamic context, niyyah refers specifically to the internal mental state of intending a religious act to ensure it is performed for God.
What does it mean word for word?
The word نية literally means 'intention' or 'purpose'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word definite and refer to 'the intention', you can add the prefix 'al-' to form النية.
How do you pronounce it?
niyyah
Did you know?
- The word نية is believed by some linguists to share an ancient root with the Hebrew word ná, which is used as a polite way to say 'please'.
- In Islamic jurisprudence, a niyyah is what distinguishes a daily habit from a religious act, such as the difference between washing for cleanliness and performing ritual ablution.
- There is a famous Arabic proverb stating that 'actions are judged by niyyat', meaning the moral value of a deed depends entirely on the intention behind it.
Example conversation
Layla and Ziad are discussing their religious preparations before prayer.
- ليلى Laylaهل وضعت نية الصلاة؟hal wad'ata niyyata al-salat?Did you make the intention for prayer?
- زياد Ziadنعم، النية موجودة في قلبي.na'am, al-niyyatu mawjudatun fi qalbi.Yes, the intention is in my heart.
- ليلى Laylaأحسنت يا زياد، النية مهمة جداً.ahsanta ya Ziyad, al-niyyatu muhimmatun jiddan.Well done, Ziad, the intention is very important.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.shukran laki ya Layla.Thank you, Layla.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نية, CC BY-SA 4.0.
