The ruling on intention (niyyah) in ablution and whether it lapses through forgetfulness
Is intention a condition or a essential element for the validity of ablution, and does it lapse through forgetfulness?
Hanafi
A confirmed sunnah and not a condition for the validity of ablution; ablution is valid without intention.
Reference: Radd al-Muḥtār
Maliki
An obligation and an essential condition for the validity of ablution; it is invalid without it.
Reference: Al-Sharḥ al-Kabīr
Shāfiʿī
The first essential element among the essential elements of ablution; its place is the heart at washing the first part of the face.
Reference: Tuḥfat al-Muḥtāj
Hanbali
A condition for the validity of every purification from ritual impurity — ablution, full bath, and dry ablution; it does not lapse whether by forgetfulness or deliberately.
Reference: Kashshāf al-Qināʿ