The Book of Intentions: Towards a life of purpose & clarity by Habib Sa'd

“I intend.”

With those two words, our lens of perspective, and our entire approach to everything we do, can change.

The Book of Intentions a new translation of Kitab al-Niyyat by Habib Muhammad ibn ʿAlawi al-ʿAydarus, better known as Ḥabīb Sa’d. In this text, Habib Sa’d explores the transformative power of intention (niyyah) in Islamic practice. Rooted in the profound and widely-known hadith that “actions are by intentions,” this book guides readers through the process of aligning one’s daily actions with one’s intention and purpose, such that every deed is transformed into an act of worship.

Throughout the text, Habib Saʿd emphasizes that the heart’s intentions are more significant than physical actions alone; and that even small acts, when performed with the right intention, can yield immense spiritual rewards.

The Book of Intentions is structured around various themes, such as:

Visiting the mosque

Gathering for prayer

Cultivating relationships with fellow believers

Ordinary actions of everyday life

And more.

For each act, the author provides a detailed set of recommended intentions, highlighting the unique rewards associated with each one. Habib Saʿd also cites numerous hadith, along with many insights from the scholars and the tradition, to illustrate the deep-seated importance of intentions in the life of a Muslim.

As a whole, this text is a powerful exhortation for the believers to make every permissible action purposeful, including even routine tasks like eating and drinking, waking and sleeping, buying and selling, and being in the company of our family and friends. Through these practical examples, Habib Saʿd illustrates how proper intentions can imbue our daily lives with sanctity and purpose, and help us to live in a continuous state of worship in every moment.