Allah, the Great and Glorious, said: Whenever my bondsman intends to do good, but does not do it, I write one good act for him, but if he puts it into practice I wrote from ten to seven hundred good deeds in favour of him. When he intends to commit an evil, but does not actually do it, do not record it. But if he does it, I write only one evil.
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 128b
This sacred hadith qudsi, narrated in Sahih Muslim, reveals Allah's boundless mercy and generosity toward His servants. The divine promise demonstrates that Allah rewards intention coupled with action in a magnificent manner, while His recording of sins is minimal and just.
Commentary on Divine Generosity
When a believer forms the intention to perform a good deed but is unable to execute it due to legitimate reasons, Allah in His infinite wisdom records one complete good deed. This reflects His recognition of the purity of intention in the heart of His servant.
When the believer actually performs the good deed, the reward multiplies exponentially - from ten to seven hundred times or even beyond. This multiplication varies based on the sincerity of intention, the circumstances of performance, and the spiritual state of the doer.
Divine Mercy Regarding Sins
For evil intentions that are not acted upon, Allah in His mercy does not record them at all. This demonstrates His protective grace over His servants, as mere thoughts that are resisted do not incur divine punishment.
When an evil deed is actually committed, Allah records only one sin without multiplication. This contrasts sharply with the multiplied rewards for good deeds, highlighting Allah's overwhelming mercy and desire to forgive rather than punish.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars explain that this hadith encourages believers to have good intentions continuously, even if unable to act upon them. The multiplication of rewards for actual deeds inspires consistent righteous action.
The differentiation between intention and action regarding sins teaches the importance of controlling one's actions and seeking Allah's protection from evil deeds. This divine methodology balances justice with mercy, encouraging virtue while minimizing the recording of vice.