Is he who says what he does not do – with the intention of encouraging himself to do it – considered to be among those whom Allah has condemned with His words: "Why do you say what you do not do?"

The intention of the preacher who falls short in practicing what he preaches to the people — that he intends to adhere to what he preaches — is a great good. However, intention alone is not enough. For one who enjoins an obligation or forbids a prohibited act, and then he himself violates what he enjoined or forbade, this person is blameworthy because his action contradicts his words. As for reminders and admonitions concerning desirable or disliked acts, the matter is broader and the responsibility is lighter.