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.
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 129
This sacred hadith qudsi from Sahih Muslim reveals Allah's boundless mercy in recording deeds. When a believer intends good but doesn't act, Allah records one reward. When they perform the good deed, Allah multiplies it tenfold - demonstrating divine generosity beyond human measure.
Divine Mercy in Intentions
The hadith shows Allah's compassion extends even to mere intentions. When evil thoughts arise but the believer resists, this restraint is recorded as a good deed purely for Allah's sake. This reflects the principle that spiritual struggle (mujahadah) against base desires is itself worship.
Classical scholars note this applies specifically to believers (mu'minun) whose faith makes them conscious of Allah's vigilance. The angels' interjection emphasizes Allah's omniscience - He knows intentions before actions.
Multiplication of Rewards
The multiplication from ten to seven hundred times illustrates how Allah's accounting differs from human calculation. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains this multiplication varies based on sincerity, circumstances, and the deed's benefit to others.
Evil deeds are recorded singly without multiplication - another manifestation of divine mercy. Al-Nawawi comments that this applies when the believer immediately repents; persistent sin requires separate consideration.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages cultivating good intentions even when unable to act. Scholars emphasize developing taqwa (God-consciousness) that transforms mere restraint into worship. The final meeting with Allah reminds believers that this generous accounting continues until death.