The texts of the Shari'ah state that whoever intends to do an evil deed and then does not do it, a good deed is recorded for him
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The questioner : Some texts of the Shari'ah indicate that whoever intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, a good deed is recorded for him, and other texts state that whoever intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, nothing is recorded for him. How is this reconciled?
The Shaykh : Yes, intending to do an evil deed actually has categories:
The first category is when one intends to do an evil deed and works toward it, but is prevented from doing it; in this case, its sin is recorded against him. The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sunan Ibn Majah 3964Sahih (Darussalam).
The second category is when one intends to do it and then leaves it for the sake of Allah (Mighty and Majestic); in this case, a good deed is recorded for him, because in the hadith you referred to, Allah the Exalted said:Sahih Muslim 129 meaning: for My sake.
The third is when one intends to do it and then leaves it, not out of fear of Allah, nor out of inability to do it.
The Shaykh : Yes, intending to do an evil deed actually has categories:
The first category is when one intends to do an evil deed and works toward it, but is prevented from doing it; in this case, its sin is recorded against him. The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
When two Muslims confront one another with their swords, both the killer and the slain will be in Hell.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, (we understand about) this killer, but what is wrong with the one who is slain?” He said: “He wanted to kill his companion.’”
إذا التقى المسلمان بسيفيهما فالقاتل والمقتول في النار، قالوا: يا رسول الله! هذا القاتل فما بال المقتول؟ قال: لأنه كان حريصاً على قتل صاحبهThe second category is when one intends to do it and then leaves it for the sake of Allah (Mighty and Majestic); in this case, a good deed is recorded for him, because in the hadith you referred to, Allah the Exalted said:
for he desisted from doing it for My sake
إنما تركها من جرائيThe third is when one intends to do it and then leaves it, not out of fear of Allah, nor out of inability to do it.