TA'ABBUDI and TAWASSULI

The obligatory (WAJIB) acts are of two types: TA'ABBUDI and TAWASSULI.

Those Wajib acts which must be performed with a vivid and clear intention (NIYYAT) of earning the pleasure and proximity of Allah (QURBAT) are TA'ABBUDI. Such a niyyat is a prerequisite, in absence of which the act would be considered invalid. The examples are all acts of worships, like the daily prayers, fasting etc.

But there are other obligations which do not necessarily require the intention of QURBAT for their validity, like obedience to the parents, fulfilling promises and pledges, honouring the contracts, performing incumbent social responsibilities and so on.

Adapted from the book: "Fiqh and Fuqaha"