Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Fiqh of Intentions RE: What is the most appropriate wording for saying intentions (niyya) for sunnah prayers?
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate. May His abundant blessing and most perfect of peace be on His Beloved Prophet, the best of creation, and his family, companions and followers.
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
1. The reality of intention is firm determination in the heart. It is recommended to pronounce the intention only when it is a means to assist one have this firm determination in the heartmeans take the rulings of ends. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; al-Akmal/Marghinani; al-Inaya Sharh al-Hidaya]
2. As such, any wording would be fine. An example, “I intend to pray the sunna of Zuhr for the sake of Allah.”
(See articles below and attached on the fiqh of intentions.)
Wassalam,