What is the Ruling on Uttering the Niyyah (Intention)?

The Niyyah’s (intention's) place is the heart, and it has no place on the tongue in all deeds. Therefore, whosoever utters the intention (with the tongue) when wanting to pray, fast, Hajj, make Ablution, or any other deeds, such a person is an innovator saying in the religion of Allah what is not part of it. (That’s) because the Prophet ﷺ used to perform Ablution, Pray, give Sadaqah (charity), Fast, and perform Hajj and he would not utter the intention. So, he would not say “O Allah, I intend to do Ablution,” “O Allah, I intend to perform the Prayer,” “O Allah, I intend to give Sadaqah (charity),” “O Allah, I intend to fast,” “O Allah, I intend to go for Hajj.” He would not say any of that, and that is because the place of the Niyyah (intention) is the heart. And Allah the Exalted knows what is in the heart and nothing is hidden from Him, As Allah - the Exalted - says in the verse quoted by the author: “Say, (O Prophet,) Whether you conceal what is in your hearts or reveal it, it is known to Allah” (Aal-Imraan: 29).