The Ruling on Verbalizing the Intention in Prayer

Question:
From Syria, the questioner Mahmoud Saleh says: What is the ruling on verbalizing the intention for prayer, such as the one praying saying: "I intend to pray the obligatory prayer of Zuhr, four rak'ahs, for Allah the Exalted," at the moment of the takbir of ihram?

Answer:
Verbalizing the intention is a religious innovation (bid'ah) that is not permissible. However, one should intend in his heart for Zuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, 'Isha', and Fajr, and not say: "I intend to pray such and such." This is because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do this, nor did his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) . Therefore, verbalizing the intention is reprehensible, but its place is the heart in all acts of worship, except in Hajj and 'Umrah, where one says: "Labbaik 'Umrah" or "Labbaik Hajj" explicitly, "O Allah, here I am for 'Umrah," and "O Allah, here I am for Hajj," as soon as one enters the state of ihram. As for everything other than Hajj and 'Umrah, its place is the heart. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah preserve you.