Is the Intention Necessary for Every Action?

Some say 'actions' here is to be understood in its generality; therefore, nothing is exempt from it. Others relate this as the saying of the majority, meaning the majority of the early scholars. This occurs in the words of Ibn Jarir At-Tabari, Abu Talib Al-Makki, and others from the early scholars. Imam Ahmad said: “I like that for every action, from prayer, fasting or charity or any action of righteousness that there be an intention preceding the action. The Prophet said: ‘actions are by intentions’, and this is taken for every matter.”