Question Summary
Is intending an obligation for the ritual bath (ghusl)?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Intending the performance of ghusl is an emphasized sunna. If one performs the ghusl without an intention, then ghusl is valid, though one will not gain reward for it. [Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
Note that the place of intention is the heart. It is unnecessary to pronounce one’s intention by tongue or to tell oneself in one’s mind. [Tahtawi,Shurunbulali; Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani