How can one reconcile the Hadith, "Deeds are only by intentions, and every person will have what they intended," with the Hadith, "Indeed, Allah has overlooked for my Ummah (community) that which they speak to themselves about, as long as they do not vocalize it or act upon it"?
The reconciliation between the two hadiths is clear. The "Indeed, actions are by intentions" signifies exclusivity, meaning that every action is linked to its intention, which is the heart's resolve, and this intention achieves sincerity in the action. The hadith "Indeed, Allah has forgiven my nation for what their souls whisper to them, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it" is understood to apply to what has not settled in the heart. Fleeting thoughts are forgiven as long as they do not settle, because the person has no choice in them. However, this is not absolute, for whoever resolves to commit a sin and settles their mind upon it incurs sin for their belief and resolve. This is the view of the majority of the Salaf and jurists due to the existence of hadiths indicating accountability for actions of the heart.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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