No reward without intention?

No reward without intention?

by Bilal Ahmed -
Number of replies: 1

Asalamu alaikum. 

We know there is a difference of opinion between the Hanafis and Shafi’s regarding the necessity of intention for certain actions. But my question is; is it correct to say that all of the scholars agree that if there is no intention there will be no reward for the action?

In reply to Bilal Ahmed

Re: No reward without intention?

by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch -
Wa alaikum salam,

Yes. One can safely say that there is consensus that reward depends on the presence of an intention. The Hadith 'all actions are based on intentions' is only disputed regarding validity of worship not reward. Note the Imam Abu Hanifa makes the intention a requirement in order for an action to be valid as well; however, only that's actions which are considered intrinsically an act of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat, Hajj, etc... Those actions which are not intrinsically acts of worship but are a means to another act of worship - intention is necessary for reward not validity, such as wudu.

Allah bless you
Yusuf Weltch