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The word “intention” may denote a mode of intending, or it may denote what is intended. Its use in this latter sense is perhaps more common in Arabic speech. Thus, the meaning is that deeds depend solely on what the doer intends—that is, on the object of his intention. Hence, the Prophet said in the remainder of the hadith:

“Whoever’s emigration is to Allah and His Messenger, his emigration is to Allah and His Messenger.”

He thus mentioned what the doer intends and seeks through his deed: the end he pursues. For every being that acts voluntarily must have an intended aim. Hence, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The names most beloved to Allah are ‘Abd Allāh and ‘Abd al-Rahmān; the ugliest are Harb and Murrah; and the truest are Hārith and Hammām.”

For every human being is a hārith and a hammām: a hārith is one who works and earns, while a hammām is one who forms intentions and wills.

Allah Most High says:

“Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We increase for him his harvest; and whoever desires the harvest of this world, We give him some of it, but he will have no share in the Hereafter.”

The expression “the harvest of this world” means its earnings and the work done for it. This is why al-Harīrī composed his Maqāmāt (Assemblies) in the voice of al-Hārith ibn Hammām, since this description holds true of everyone.