who has performed the entire intended action, so that he is rewarded and punished even for what lies beyond the scope of his ability. This applies, for example, to those who act jointly and cooperate in righteous deeds. It also includes the consequences arising from a person’s actions, as with someone who calls to guidance or misguidance, or establishes a good or bad practice. As authentically reported in the two Sahīh collections, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him, without their rewards being diminished in the least. Whoever calls to misguidance will bear a burden of sin equal to the burdens of those who follow him, without their burdens being diminished in the least.”

It is also authentically reported from him in the two Sahīh collections that he said:

“Whoever establishes a good practice will have its reward and the reward of everyone who acts upon it until the Day of Resurrection, without their rewards being diminished in the least.”

The person who calls to guidance or misguidance seeks and wills what he calls to, with complete intent and will. His ability, however, is exercised through calling and instructing, while the ability of the person who acts is exercised through following and accepting.

For this reason, Allah Most High mentions actions performed directly alongside their resulting effects in His Book, saying:

“That is because no thirst, fatigue, or hunger afflicts them in the cause of Allah, nor do they tread any ground that enrages the disbelievers, nor do they inflict any loss upon an enemy, without a righteous deed being recorded for them on account of it. Indeed, Allah does not let the reward of those who do good go to waste.”

“Nor do they spend any amount, small or large, or cross any valley, without it being recorded for them, so that Allah may reward them according to the best of what they used to do.”

In the first verse, He mentions what results from their actions without being brought about by their ability alone: