the reward in full; for when a person has resolved upon a righteous deed, made the necessary preparations, and is then prevented by illness, the entire reward is still recorded for him—praise be to Allah. The Exalted says: “Whoever leaves his home, emigrating to Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah” (Qur’an 4:100).

Her statement—meaning the wife of that Companion (may Allah be pleased with her)—also shows that when someone designates something for a good cause, the better course is to let it reach its goal. Suppose, for instance, that you set aside a sum of money as charity, intending to give it to a mosque, a charitable organization, or the like. Technically you are free to retract, since the money has not yet reached its recipient and remains under your control. Yet what is preferable is to follow through and not withdraw from your intention, so that you will be among those who are quick to do good. Allah is the One who grants success.