I usually say the intention in Arabic. For 2 rakaats it is ‘..rakaa-THAY salaatil..’, for 4 rakaats it is ‘..rakaa-THEE salaatil..’, but what do I say for 3 rakaats? i.e for Maghrib fard and Witr prayer.
Answer
It is not necessary to verbally recite the Niyyat. The determination of the
heart to perform Salaat is sufficient.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai