What is the ruling on thinking about committing forbidden acts, such as thinking about theft or adultery, even if the person would not do so if the means were available to him?
What occurs to a person's mind in terms of thoughts, such as fornication, theft, and drinking intoxicants, but they do not act upon any of them, is forgiven, and no sin is recorded against them. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, Allah has forgiven my Ummah for whatever thoughts occur to their minds, as long as they do not speak of it or act upon it." And his saying: "Whoever intends to commit a bad deed but does not do it, it will not be written against him." In another narration: "A good deed will be written for him, because he abandoned it for My sake." (Agreed upon). And whoever abandons a bad deed that they intended to do, for the sake of Allah, a good deed will be written for them. If they abandon it for other reasons, no bad deed will be written against them. This is a grace and mercy from Allah.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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