M.A. Thesis:

Niyyat and intention and its role in devotions and transactions

Niyyah (intention) is the arousal and promotion of the soul. If the human's soul flies and uprisesbeyond the nature so he has intended. The value of every action is characterized by the intention and purpose behind it. Niyyah means the tendency to perform an action with predetermined purpose and free will. The canonization of the devotions the spiritual closeness to the Almighty God and getting prepared to enjoy the blessings infused due to being a servant of Allah. TheQuranic verses and Muslim traditions suggest that niyyah plays a significant role in action. Niyyah in devotions make the eight entrances to devotions. The religious actions and devotions have both internal and external levels in which niyyah hold a particular concept and meaning. Two terms of "devotion" and "sincerity" maintain a close relationship with niyyah. Devotions,in particular, are those actions in which the intention of closeness ( to Allah) is sought. Sincerity is the start point of a true devotion. In addition to the devotions,intention (niyyah) in the Imamate jurisprudence covers the subject matter of transactions and contracts. One of the important elements in creating legal actions and commitments is the intention and purpose. The jurisprudents usually refer to the generally acceptable principle: "the contracts are subject to the underlying intentions" which expressly focuses on the compliance of contract with the intention of signing such a contract. In the Iranian Civil Code one of the most fundamental conditions for legitimacy of the transactions are the intentions of both parties as well as their satisfaction with them. In case, they lack such a condition, they will be turned null and void and subsequently the contract could not be enforced. The principle of "free will" is also an important doctrine in philosophy. From the proponents' viewpoint, this means that the individual's will is not only effective in creation of contract but also is absolutely effective in all legal relationships. Therefore, with regard to the stipulations made in the Article 10 of the Iranian Civil Code, the principle of free will has been generally acknowledgedin our country.

Keywords: niyyah, intention for closeness (to Allah), devotions, transactions, free will.