that is, they are equal with respect to the reward of intention; as for the deed itself, its reward is not recorded for him unless it was his regular, habitual practice.

This report also points to the case of a person who goes forth in the cause of Allah—on an expedition, taking part in jihad—he is granted the reward of every step he takes. For that reason the Prophet ﷺ said, “You have never marched out, nor crossed a valley or a mountain pass, except that they are with you.”

The same meaning is affirmed by the Almighty’s words: “That is because they suffer neither thirst, nor fatigue, nor hunger in the path of Allah, nor do they tread a step that enrages the disbelievers, nor do they inflict upon an enemy any injury, but it is written for them as a righteous deed—Allah does not allow the reward of those who excel to be lost. Nor do they spend any expenditure, small or great, nor do they cross a valley, but it is written for them, so that Allah may repay them for the best of what they used to do.” (al-Tawbah 9:120–121)

A similar example is that of a man who performs ablution perfectly in his home and then sets out for the mosque, driven by nothing but the prayer: he does not take a single step without Allah raising him one degree and removing from him one sin.

Such is Allah’s grace—that even the means leading to a deed carry the reward explained by the Messenger ﷺ. Allah is the One who grants success. End of passage.