The Prophet (ﷺ) narrating about his Lord I'm and said, "Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written, and He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times: and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account) ."
The Divine Recording of Deeds
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari's "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6491) reveals the profound mercy and justice of Allah in recording human deeds. The scholars explain that Allah Himself established this system through His divine command to the recording angels.
The Four Categories of Intentions and Actions
First: When one intends good but doesn't act upon it - Allah grants a complete good deed. Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this demonstrates Allah's generosity, rewarding the pure intention itself.
Second: When one intends good and performs it - the reward multiplies from ten to seven hundred times or beyond. Imam al-Nawawi comments this multiplication varies based on sincerity, circumstances, and the deed's nature.
Third: When one intends evil but refrains - Allah records a full good deed. This shows Allah's mercy in rewarding self-restraint and the struggle against sinful desires.
Fourth: When one intends evil and commits it - only one sin is recorded. Scholars emphasize this reflects Allah's justice, not multiplying sins as He multiplies rewards.
Scholarly Insights and Wisdom
Classical commentators note this hadith teaches the importance of niyyah (intention) in Islamic spirituality. The heart's orientation toward good is itself meritorious.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that the varying multiplication of rewards reflects Allah's boundless generosity and wisdom in assessing deeds based on their circumstances and the doer's state.
The distinction between how good and evil deeds are recorded demonstrates Allah's predominant attribute of mercy over wrath, encouraging believers toward virtue.