Chapter on the Description of Ablution (Wudu)

The Shaykh (Al-Mufid), may Allah سبحانه وتعالى support him, then said: "Ablution (Wuduʾ) is an act of devotion (Qurbah) to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, so it is necessary for the servant to purify their intention (Niyyah) and perform it solely for the sake of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Exalted." This is supported by the verse of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Exalted: "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces." (Surat al-Maʾidah, 5:6). The phrase "wash" implies washing for the purpose of prayer, even though the explicit mention of prayer is omitted for brevity. This is a clear practice in Arabic, where they say, "When you want to meet the king, dress in your clothes," or, "When you intend to confront the enemy, take your weapons," meaning "dress in your clothes to meet the king" and "take your weapons to confront the enemy." Thus, when we are commanded to wash for prayer, it necessitates intention (Niyyah), as intention directs the action toward prayer and distinguishes it from other purposes. This is further supported by the requirement for intention in acts of worship.