July 2, 2025

“God judges man's deeds according to the intention which actuated them.”

God judges man's deeds according to the intention which actuated them. This authentic tradition has come down from the Prophet: 'A man's intention or will is better than his act.' This means that when a man has a good intention, that is. cherishes the desire In his heart for a righteous act. it is impossible that such an intention be anything but pure. Whereas, in acting, it is possible that selfish reasons may have prompted it. For instance, it is possible that a man performs a good deed with a view to personal interest: such a good deed done is not separated from hypocrisy and insincerity. But when a man cherishes a good intention, it is impossible that it be prompted by any prejudice or be intended for anything but good. In this sense. 'A man's intention is better than his act.'

It is possible that men may have a good intention to perform a worthy deed, but be without the means to execute it. For instance, a man may have the intention to succor the poor and assist the orphan, but be without the necessary means with which to carry it out. Such an intention will have its effect in the world of Existence, and will be accepted in the Kingdom of God. And if a man be enabled to put it into deeds it will be 'light upon light'

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ali Kuli Khan, 'Abdu'l-Baha's English-language secretary during 1899 to 1901; ‘Ali-Kuli Khan 1906 Pilgrim Notes’)