Learning Objective
To explore the
meaning of niyyah, intention
Learning Outcomes
- To understand that
every action must be accompanied by the correct niyyah, ‘qurbatan ilallah’ for
the sake of getting closer to Allah
- To know the correct
pronunciation of ‘qurbatan ilallah’
- To understand how
the value and acceptance of all our actions depends on having the correct
niyyah
- To know ways in
which niyyah can become invalidated
Qur'an Verse
Lillah, For Allah 6:162
Niyyah is an intention.
It tells us what we are doing and why we are doing it. Niyya is so powerful
that the value and reward of our actions will depend on having the correct
niyyah which should always be ‘qurbatanillalah’, to be close to Allah. When we start our salaa the
first wajib action is to make our niyyah. We have to be very careful
that our niyyah does not change from beginning of salaa until the end as this could
break our salaa.
Activity: Lillah
Song
Song
to the tune of Freres Jacques
It was just after midnight and the man was alone in the
masjid.
He had just begun his Salatul Layl when he
heard a noise behind him.
Immediately, he started praying slowly. He recited lengthy
duas in a beautiful voice.
After he finished he turned around to see a dog who had
come in to take shelter from the rain outside.
The man realised that he had prayed only for a dog and not
for Allah.
Activity: Scenario Questions
Present the following statements
and ask whether the niyyah is ‘qurbatan ilalah’. Have the children move to one
side for yes and the other for no. Have them explain their decision.
I better pray quickly, football
match about to start.
I must be extra careful with my
salaa at madressa today because the teacher is going to check us.
I am all alone, only Allah is
watching me.
I recite Quran everyday
otherwise I won’t get my pocket money.
I love reciting dua at mosque
because everyone tells me how well I did and it makes me happy.
Its fajr I wake up to pray
because it will make Allah happy
Activity: The Right Intention
Use the balloon analogy to review the effect of having the incorrect niyyah on the value of the action.
Extension
Allah has said in the Qur'an 6:162 that everything we do should be for Him. Think of a few daily activities and write down a niyyah that will make that action for Allah. E.g I brush my teeth because Allah loves cleanliness.
Extension
Allah has said in the Qur'an 6:162 that everything we do should be for Him. Think of a few daily activities and write down a niyyah that will make that action for Allah. E.g I brush my teeth because Allah loves cleanliness.