The Quran does not directly discuss sinful intentions, but intention can be influential. A bad intention alone without action does not constitute a sin.
In the Holy Quran, the topic of intention and the intentions of the heart are emphasized, but the Quran does not explicitly address the issue of sinful intentions. However, from an Islamic perspective, it can be indicated that intentions hold great importance in our actions and have a significant impact on what we do. For instance, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 225 states that Allah is aware of our intentions and what lies in our hearts. This verse emphasizes that individuals are responsible only for their actions, not solely for their intentions. In other words, while intention can influence action, the mere intention alone, without any specific act, does not constitute a sin. According to a Prophetic Hadith, "Actions are judged by intentions," this implies that intention can have an effect, but in all cases, the sinfulness of an act depends on the actual commission of that act. Therefore, while someone harboring bad intentions should strive to rectify them, these intentions alone will not make them sinful. Indulging in wrongful intentions reflects a propensity towards those actions, but if an individual refrains from acting upon those intentions and seeks to correct their behavior, they can potentially remain protected from its repercussions.
Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned. And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.
One day, a young man named Amir reflected on the wrongdoings he had committed in the past. He harbored bad intentions in his heart but learned from the Prophet of Islam that good intention outweighs bad deeds. After realizing this, he decided to work on goodness and help others to please Allah and atone for his past. Gradually, his life transformed into a positive direction.