Combining Multiple Intentions in One Voluntary Prayer: Is it Permissible in Islam
Question: Respected Sheikh, there is an audio from an unknown person in which he says that the Grand Mufti of Pakistan, Mufti Shafi Usmani, mentioned during his lecture that he had a practice of performing two units of voluntary prayer with five intentions: the intention of Salat al-Tawbah (prayer of repentance), Salat al-Hajat (prayer of needs), Salat al-Shukr (prayer of gratitude), Salat al-Isti’ana (prayer of seeking help), and Salat al-Istikhara (prayer of seeking guidance). He further states that due to the blessings of these five intentions, he found ease and safety in all his daily tasks, forgiveness for his sins, fulfillment of his needs, increase in blessings, special help from Allah in all matters, and clarity in decision-making. Is this practice correct?
Answer: The first point to note is that several of these prayers are not established as specific prayers in Shariah. For example, there is no specific prayer called Salat al-Hajat or Salat al-Shukr in Shariah. For gratitude, there is only the prostration of gratitude, not a specific prayer. Similarly, there is no prayer called Salat al-Isti’ana. As for Salat al-Tawbah, repentance does not require a specific prayer; one can repent by feeling remorse for the sin and resolving not to commit it again. However, if someone wishes to perform two units of prayer seeking forgiveness for a specific sin, there is evidence for this in Hadith. But in the context of the question, there is no mention of repentance for a specific sin; it is being performed like a general prayer. Regarding Salat al-Istikhara, it is to be performed when one intends to undertake a specific task in the future and seeks Allah’s guidance in that matter. However, in the context mentioned, Mufti Sahib’s prayer is general and not intended for a specific future task.
In summary, this practice is a clear innovation (bid’ah). Practicing it will not earn reward but rather sin, as it is an innovation in the name of Shariah. Three of the five prayers have no basis, and the remaining two are related to specific sins or tasks. Salat al-Tawbah can be performed for repentance from a past sin, but one should not combine it with other intentions. Salat al-Istikhara should be performed when intending to undertake an important task in the future. It is surprising that such individuals are considered Grand Muftis who innovate in the worship of Allah in this manner. May Allah protect us.
✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)
⟨Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia⟩