Prepared by: Nurin Adani

Editor & text editing: Nurfiza Nina

God has written good and bad deeds.

Hadith: Allah Writes Good and Bad

In a hadith narrated from Ibn 'Abbas RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said that Allah SWT said:

“Indeed, Allah has written down good deeds and bad deeds. Whoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah writes down for him a complete good deed. If he intends to do it and does it, Allah writes down for him ten to seven hundred times the reward. Whoever intends to do an evil deed but does not do it, Allah writes down for him a complete good deed. And if he intends to do it and does it, Allah writes down for him only one sin.”

(Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

1. God's Grace on Good Intentions

This hadith shows how vast is the mercy and justice of Allah. A good intention, even if it is not carried out, is still considered a complete good deed. If it is carried out, its reward is multiplied — from ten to seven hundred times. This is in line with the words of Allah in the Quran (al-Baqarah: 261) which compares goodness to a seed that grows seven stalks with a hundred seeds on each stalk.

2. Refraining from Sin

This hadith also emphasizes that refraining from sin out of fear of Allah is a great virtue. If a person intends to commit a sin but refrains from it out of piety, Allah writes for him a full reward. This proves that worship is not only in actions, but also in the strength of the soul to reject evil.

3. Justice in Charity

However, if someone intends and then actually commits a sin, Allah only writes one sin for him. This shows the justice of Allah SWT: the reward is doubled, but the sin is not increased.

 

Reflection

This hadith carries a balanced message between Allah's mercy and justice. It gives believers hope that every good intention is appreciated even if it is not carried out, and every effort to refrain from sin is rewarded. At the same time, it reminds us that every wrong action still has consequences.

In conclusion, this hadith encourages us to increase our good intentions, strive to perform righteous deeds, and remain steadfast in avoiding sin — because Allah is All-Knowing of the hearts and Most Generous in His rewards.

Date of Input: 25/09/2025 | Updated: 25/09/2025 | asmunir