What is the ruling on a permissible act if one does not intend to draw near to Allah the Exalted through it?
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The questioner : A permissible act, O Shaykh, if a person does not intend to earn reward in it, meaning relying on the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) Sahih Muslim 1006 and the Messenger did not stipulate it.
The Shaykh : Huh?
The questioner : And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did not stipulate it for fulfilling the command. Does a person receive reward for it?
The Shaykh : The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) alluded to this when it was asked: "Does one who fulfills his desire receive reward for it?" He said: This is an indication from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) that one does this act, namely having intercourse with his wife, by being content with what is lawful instead of what is forbidden. This is undoubtedly a good intention. There is no harm on a person if he intends this, or if he intends to enjoy what Allah has made lawful for him. Even the intention to enjoy what Allah has made lawful for you is a good intention for which you are rewarded.
The questioner : Well, O Shaykh, is a permissible act general, such that it is not measured by... by what a person intends in it?
The Shaykh : No, absolutely not. A permissible act is general and is not measured by intention, except if a benefit arises from it for another person, in which case he is rewarded for it. Yes.
and in man's sexual Intercourse (with his wife, ) there is a Sadaqa
وفي بضع أحدكم صدقةThe Shaykh : Huh?
The questioner : And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did not stipulate it for fulfilling the command. Does a person receive reward for it?
The Shaykh : The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) alluded to this when it was asked: "Does one who fulfills his desire receive reward for it?" He said:
"What do you think? If he placed it in what is forbidden, would he bear a sin?" They said: "Yes." He said: "If he placed it in what is lawful, he has a reward."
أرأيتم إن وضعها في حرام أكان عليه وزر؟ قالوا: نعم، قال: إذا وضعها في حلال كان له أجرThe questioner : Well, O Shaykh, is a permissible act general, such that it is not measured by... by what a person intends in it?
The Shaykh : No, absolutely not. A permissible act is general and is not measured by intention, except if a benefit arises from it for another person, in which case he is rewarded for it. Yes.