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