Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah says, 'If My slave intends to do a bad deed then (O Angels) do not write
it unless he does it; if he does it, then write it as it is, but if he refrains from doing it for My Sake, then
write it as a good deed (in his account). (On the other hand) if he intends to do a good deed, but does
not do it, then write a good deed (in his account), and if he does it, then write it for him (in his
account) as ten good deeds up to seven-hundred times.' "
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) conveys Allah's mercy regarding human intentions and actions. Allah instructs that if a person intends to commit a sin but refrains from doing so out of fear of Him, that person is rewarded with a good deed. Conversely, if they intend to do a good deed and do not follow through, they still receive credit for the intention. This illustrates the significance of intentions in Islam.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals to focus on their intentions and strive for good, even if they face obstacles. In daily life, we can motivate ourselves to act righteously, knowing that our good intentions are valued by Allah.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Intentions and Reward of Deeds because it highlights the importance of intentions in determining the reward for actions, emphasizing Allah's understanding of human struggles.
It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.
Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.
And say, "Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do."
This hadith is #7215 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:.
