What is the ruling on merely intending to do something, whether good or evil, without actually carrying it out?

If the intention is merely a passing thought, then neither reward nor punishment is incurred. However, if it reaches the level of resolve and determination, then whoever resolves to do a good deed but is unable to do it, a full good deed is written for him. If he performs it, ten good deeds are written for him, up up to seven hundredfold. As for whoever resolves to do an evil deed, he is sinful. If he abandons it for the sake of Allah, a good deed is written for him. If he is unable to do it, nothing is written for him. If he performs it, only one evil deed is written for him. This applies specifically to one who abandons an evil deed for the sake of Allah, not to one who abandons it under duress.