Categories of Intending an Evil Deed
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Some texts of the Shari'ah indicate that if a person intends an evil deed but does not commit it, a good deed is recorded for him.And other texts: If a person intends an evil deed but does not commit it, nothing is recorded for him.
How is this reconciled?
Intending an evil deed in reality has categories: The first category is when a person intends an evil deed and acts upon it, but is prevented from completing it; in this case, his sin is recorded against him.The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): (When two Muslims meet with their swords, both the killer and the killed are in the Fire.They said: O Messenger of Allah! This is the killer, but what about the killed?He said: Because he was eager to kill his companion) .
The second category: The second category is when he intends it and then leaves it for the sake of Allah the Exalted; in this case, a good deed is recorded for him, because in the hadith you referred to, Allah the Exalted said: (He only left it because of Me) meaning: for My sake.
The third category: The third category is when he intends it and then leaves it, not out of fear of Allah and not out of aversion to it; in this case, it is neither for him nor against him, for the scale is balanced, because the man did not leave it for the sake of Allah to be rewarded, nor did he strive for it to be sinful; thus, nothing is required of him and he has nothing to his credit.
How is this reconciled?
Intending an evil deed in reality has categories: The first category is when a person intends an evil deed and acts upon it, but is prevented from completing it; in this case, his sin is recorded against him.The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): (When two Muslims meet with their swords, both the killer and the killed are in the Fire.They said: O Messenger of Allah! This is the killer, but what about the killed?He said: Because he was eager to kill his companion) .
The second category: The second category is when he intends it and then leaves it for the sake of Allah the Exalted; in this case, a good deed is recorded for him, because in the hadith you referred to, Allah the Exalted said: (He only left it because of Me) meaning: for My sake.
The third category: The third category is when he intends it and then leaves it, not out of fear of Allah and not out of aversion to it; in this case, it is neither for him nor against him, for the scale is balanced, because the man did not leave it for the sake of Allah to be rewarded, nor did he strive for it to be sinful; thus, nothing is required of him and he has nothing to his credit.