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.' "
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 7501
Textual Analysis
This sacred hadith qudsi reveals Allah's infinite mercy and justice in recording human deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) narrates Allah's direct speech concerning the divine accounting system.
Divine Mercy in Intentions
Allah distinguishes between mere intention and actual commission of evil. Evil thoughts are not recorded until acted upon, demonstrating Allah's protective mercy. When one resists evil for Allah's sake, it becomes a recorded good deed, transforming potential sin into reward.
Magnification of Good Deeds
Pure intentions for good deeds are rewarded even if unfulfilled, showing Allah's generous recognition of sincere hearts. When good deeds are performed, Allah multiplies rewards from ten to seven hundred times, reflecting His boundless generosity beyond human merit.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains this demonstrates Allah's comprehensive knowledge and perfect justice. Al-Nawawi emphasizes this hadith encourages believers to purify intentions and persevere in righteousness, knowing Allah recognizes both action and sincere intention.
Practical Implications
This teaching inspires constant mindfulness of Allah, encouraging believers to abandon evil thoughts and nurture good intentions. It reveals the spiritual economy where sincerity transforms potential sins into rewards and multiplies righteous actions beyond measure.