He who intended to do good, but did not do it, one good was recorded for him, and he who intended to do good and also did it, ten to seven hundred good deeds were recorded for him. And he who intended evil, but did not commit it, no entry was made against his name, but if he committed that, it was recorded.
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 130
This commentary examines the profound wisdom behind the divine recording of intentions and actions, drawing from classical Islamic scholarship.
The Excellence of Pure Intention
The noble hadith establishes that mere intention to perform good, even without execution, merits one good deed. Scholars explain this demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, rewarding the sincere inclination of the heart toward righteousness.
Imam Nawawi comments that this single recorded good for pure intention serves as encouragement for the believer and acknowledges the spiritual value of a heart inclined toward obedience.
The Multiplied Reward for Actualized Good
When intention culminates in action, the reward multiplies from ten to seven hundredfold. Classical scholars clarify this variation depends on sincerity, circumstances, and the action's benefit to others.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that the multiplication reflects divine generosity, where a single act of charity or prayer can yield rewards exceeding the original effort manifold.
The Mercy in Unacted Evil Intentions
Scholars emphasize the tremendous mercy in Allah not recording evil intentions that are abandoned. This encourages repentance and demonstrates that mere evil thoughts, when resisted, incur no sin.
Al-Qurtubi notes this principle protects believers from despair, as struggling against evil inclinations without acting upon them is itself a form of spiritual victory.
The Wisdom Behind Recorded Evil Actions
When evil intention transforms into action, a single sin is recorded. Scholars explain this justice maintains cosmic balance while the limited recording of evil compared to the multiplied recording of good reflects divine compassion.
Ibn al-Qayyim observes that this system motivates toward good while providing deterrent against evil, perfectly balancing mercy and justice in divine accountability.