Quranic Answer
Yes, absolutely and without a doubt, Almighty God is fully aware and knowledgeable of all intentions, whether hidden or manifest, and everything that transpires in the deepest recesses of the human heart. This is one of the most fundamental and foundational beliefs in the pure religion of Islam, deeply rooted in the divine names and attributes of Allah. The Holy Quran introduces God with attributes such as 'Al-Alim' (The All-Knowing), 'Al-Khabir' (The All-Aware, deeply informed of inner matters), 'As-Sami' (The All-Hearing), and 'Al-Basir' (The All-Seeing). These attributes clearly signify God's complete and infinite encompassing knowledge over all existence, including the secrets and hidden aspects of human existence, thoughts, feelings, and most importantly, intentions. In Islam, the intention (niyyah – the inner will and purpose) holds a paramount position and is considered the spirit of an action. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) famously said: 'Indeed, actions are judged by intentions.' This noble Hadith signifies that the value and reward of an action depend not merely on its outward appearance but on the motive and purpose underlying it. Doing good to others, helping the needy, generosity, kindness, and every virtuous deed we perform, if done with a pure intention solely for the pleasure of Allah, gains true spiritual value and eternal reward. If there is an intention other than seeking divine pleasure, for instance, if the purpose of doing good is hypocrisy, showing off, seeking fame, or acquiring material benefits, then even if the action outwardly appears good, it will be deprived of spiritual value and eternal reward in the sight of God. The Holy Quran, in several verses, refers to the truth that God is aware of what is in the breasts (hearts) and nothing is hidden from Him. God's knowledge of our intentions is both a source of comfort and reassurance, and a cause for awe and piety. On one hand, a believer knows that if they perform even the smallest good deed with sincerity, or have a good intention in their heart but lack the ability to carry it out, God is aware of it and will reward them accordingly. This encourages individuals to strive for goodness and sincerity in all circumstances, even in solitude, without losing hope. Many people, due to lack of financial or physical means, may not be able to perform grand and overt acts of charity. However, as long as they harbor a pure intention to help and show kindness, and act within their capacity (even with a comforting word or a sincere prayer), God is aware of their pure intentions and will not let their reward be wasted. On the other hand, this divine knowledge serves as a crucial deterrent against impure and hypocritical intentions. A person knows that they cannot deceive God by feigning goodness while harboring an ungodly intention inwardly. This awareness prompts individuals to purify their souls and intentions, constantly aligning their actions with sincerity and piety. That God is aware of our intentions means He is the most just judge. He does not merely look at appearances; rather, He weighs the depth of the heart and the true motive behind every action. This teaches us to always focus on our intentions and strive for our good deeds to stem from a pure spring of sincerity and love for God. This awareness also helps us to behave with honesty and pure intention in our dealings with others, knowing that nothing remains hidden from God's all-encompassing knowledge. In fact, the purer and more sincere our intention, the greater the impact of our action in this world and the hereafter. This perspective guides a believer's life towards perfection and closeness to God, keeping them away from the impurities of minor polytheism (riya or showing off). Therefore, the peace and reassurance derived from knowing this truth drive believers towards performing countless good deeds, both small and large, with a pure and sincere intention, because they know that the true reward lies in these intentions, and God is more aware of what is in our hearts than we ourselves are.
Related Verses
وَأَسِرُّوا قَوْلَكُمْ أَوِ اجْهَرُوا بِهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ
And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
Al-Mulk : 13
يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ
He knows what is in the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.
At-Taghabun : 4
لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ وَإِن تُبْدُوا مَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ اللَّهُ ۖ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And whether you disclose what is in your souls or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is over all things competent.
Al-Baqarah : 284
Short Story
In ancient times, a wise Sheikh asked people who intended to do good deeds for others to step forward and speak of their intentions. A wealthy man came forward and declared: "I shall build a grand mosque so that my name may live forever, and people will remember me for my generosity." The Sheikh nodded, remaining silent. Then, an elderly, impoverished woman shyly approached and said: "I possess no wealth for grand charities. But last night, I had a hungry neighbor, and I shared the little food I had with her, only asking God to witness me." The Sheikh looked at the woman with a warm smile and said: "Indeed, the Merciful God looks more at the purity of intentions than at the vastness of deeds. That wealthy man built a grand structure that brought his name to people's lips, but you, dear lady, nourished a heart whose reward with the Lord is boundless. For God loves sincere kindness above all else and is aware of every intention, however hidden."