The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، قَالَ هَذَا مَا حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ، رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ أَحَادِيثَ مِنْهَا قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِذَا تَحَدَّثَ عَبْدِي بِأَنْ يَعْمَلَ حَسَنَةً فَأَنَا أَكْتُبُهَا لَهُ حَسَنَةً مَا لَمْ يَعْمَلْ فَإِذَا عَمِلَهَا فَأَنَا أَكْتُبُهَا بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا وَإِذَا تَحَدَّثَ بِأَنْ يَعْمَلَ سَيِّئَةً فَأَنَا أَغْفِرُهَا لَهُ مَا لَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا فَإِذَا عَمِلَهَا فَأَنَا أَكْتُبُهَا لَهُ بِمِثْلِهَا " .
وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " قَالَتِ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ رَبِّ ذَاكَ عَبْدُكَ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَعْمَلَ سَيِّئَةً - وَهُوَ أَبْصَرُ بِهِ - فَقَالَ ارْقُبُوهُ فَإِنْ عَمِلَهَا فَاكْتُبُوهَا لَهُ بِمِثْلِهَا . وَإِنْ تَرَكَهَا فَاكْتُبُوهَا لَهُ حَسَنَةً - إِنَّمَا تَرَكَهَا مِنْ جَرَّاىَ " .
وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا أَحْسَنَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِسْلاَمَهُ فَكُلُّ حَسَنَةٍ يَعْمَلُهَا تُكْتَبُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ وَكُلُّ سَيِّئَةٍ يَعْمَلُهَا تُكْتَبُ بِمِثْلِهَا حَتَّى يَلْقَى اللَّهَ " .
When it occurs to my bondsman that he should do a good deed but he actually does not do it, record one good to him, but if he puts it into practice, I make an entry of ten good acts in his favour. When it occurs to him to do evil, but he does not commit it, I forgive that. But if he commits it, I record one evil against his name. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed. The angels said: That bondsman of Yours intends to commit evil. though His Lord is more Vigilant than he. Upon this He (the Lord) said: Watch him; if he commits (evil), write it against his name but if he refrains from doing it, write one good deed or him, for he desisted from doing it for My sake. The Messenger of Allah said: He who amongst you is good of faith, all his good acts are multiplied from ten to seven hundred times (and are recorded in his name) and all the evils that he commits are recorded as such (i, e. without increase) till he meets Allah.
Narrated by Abu Huraira reported that Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) conveys a profound message about the nature of good and evil deeds. It emphasizes that even the intention to perform a good deed is rewarded, while the intention to commit a sin is forgiven if not acted upon. This highlights the mercy of Allah and the encouragement for believers to strive for goodness. The hadith reassures that good actions are multiplied significantly, while sins are recorded without increase, reflecting divine justice and compassion.
Modern Application
In today's world, this principle encourages individuals to focus on their intentions and strive to do good, even if they face obstacles. It reminds us that our thoughts and desires can lead to positive outcomes, fostering a mindset of kindness and compassion in our daily interactions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Mercy and Reward of Deeds because it illustrates Allah's forgiveness for unacted-upon intentions and the multiplication of rewards for good deeds.
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.
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.
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.
This hadith is #243 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Faith. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Huraira reported that Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said:.
