“Indeed, within the body is a morsel of flesh: when it is sound, the whole body is sound, and when it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.”

When someone intends a good deed but does not perform it, he has nevertheless done something good: intending that good deed. It is therefore recorded for him as one complete good deed, for this is itself an act of obedience and goodness. People likewise recognize this, as the poet said:

I shall surely thank you for the kindness you intended;
Your intention to do good is itself a kindness.
I shall not blame you should destiny not bring it to pass;
For all things are governed by destiny’s irrevocable decree.

If he performs it, Allah records ten good deeds for him, in accordance with what He has already ordained in His mercy: whoever brings a good deed receives ten times its like, up to seven hundredfold. As Allah Most High says:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain that grows seven ears, each containing a hundred grains.”

Likewise, in an authentic hadith, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to someone who brought a she-camel:

“For it, you will have on the Day of Resurrection seven hundred she-camels, haltered and bridled, multiplied many times over.”

It has also been narrated from Abū Hurayrah, in a report traced back to the Prophet:

“He is granted a million good deeds for it.”

As for someone who intends a bad deed but does not perform it, despite being able to do so, Allah does not record it against him, as he stated in the authentic hadith. Whether his intention is called willing or resolve, or is given neither name, whenever someone is able to act, intends and resolves to do so, yet does not act despite having the ability, his will is not firm. This accords with the Prophet’s words in the authentic hadith