Does God look at intention or the outcome of actions?

In the Holy Quran, the interplay between intention (niyyah) and the outcome of actions (amal) is a profound concept that defines a human being's relationship with their Creator. The question of whether God looks at intention or the result of actions requires a comprehensive understanding of Quranic teachings, which in reality emphasize the importance of both, but with a specific hierarchy and an inseparable connection between them. Allah, the Exalted, is fully aware of what is hidden in the hearts and also observes the outward deeds of His servants, holding them accountable based on both. This comprehensive view demonstrates Allah's infinite justice and wisdom, as He considers not only outward appearances but also the depths of human existence and inner motivations. The Quran explicitly highlights God's absolute knowledge of human intentions and inner thoughts. Verses such as, 'Say, 'Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it all. And He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is over all things competent'' (Surah Al-Imran, 3:29), clearly state that whatever you conceal in your hearts or disclose, Allah knows it. This verse demonstrates that intentions and inner thoughts, even before they materialize into actions, are known and manifest to God. Allah not only oversees our outward actions but also scrutinizes the motivations and sincerity behind these actions. This absolute divine knowledge forms the cornerstone of the concept of *Ikhlas* (sincerity); meaning that every action must be performed solely for the sake of gaining Allah's pleasure, without any trace of ostentation (*riya'*), showing off, or seeking worldly gain. Sincerity of intention is the spirit and essence of an action, and without it, an action, no matter how grand or impressive, will be worthless in the sight of Allah. For example, charity given for the purpose of showing off, although outwardly appearing as help to the needy, will hold no spiritual value or divine reward because the intention behind it was corrupt. Allah seeks purity of heart and inner truthfulness, for it is this purity that elevates an action from mere form to its true essence, making it acceptable in His presence. In essence, intention is like the foundation upon which the edifice of action is built; if the foundation is weak, the structure will not stand firm. The Holy Quran constantly encourages believers to reflect on their motivations and to purify their intentions, because it is this sincerity that makes the difference between an ordinary act and an accepted act of worship. An action stemming from a pure heart and a noble purpose, even if it seems small, will hold immeasurable value in the divine scales. On the other hand, the Quran equally emphasizes the importance of action. Faith and belief are not confined solely to inner intentions but must manifest as righteous deeds. In many verses, faith is coupled with righteous deeds, such as, 'Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them will be the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging' (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:107). This pairing indicates that faith without action is incomplete, and action without faith is rootless. A person's actions are a reflection of their inner beliefs and values. Allah holds human beings accountable based on what they do, granting rewards or punishments. The famous verses, 'So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it' (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8), explicitly state that even the smallest good or evil deed will be seen and accounted for. These verses clearly demonstrate human accountability for their actions. The outcome of actions, both in this world and the Hereafter, directly influences one's destiny. Fulfilling religious obligations, showing kindness to creation, refraining from sins, and striving in the way of Allah are all examples of righteous deeds for which Allah has promised immense rewards. Action is the outward manifestation of intention, and without it, intention alone cannot fully reveal its potential for change and impact. For instance, the intention to help someone in need is only completed when accompanied by a practical step, and its fruit comes into existence. Therefore, righteous action is not only a sign of faith but also a means to achieve divine goals on earth and to improve the condition of human societies. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Quranic perspective adopts a comprehensive and integrated approach to intention and action. Intention is the basis and determinant of an action's value, and action is the manifestation and realization of intention. An action performed with a sincere intention, even if it does not yield a significant material or worldly outcome, is valuable in the sight of Allah. For instance, someone who intends to help a needy person and makes an effort, even if for some reasons beyond their control they cannot deliver the help, their good intention is preserved with Allah and they will be rewarded, as indicated in numerous verses referring to this divine mercy and knowledge. Conversely, an action that appears good on the surface, but has an impure intention behind it (such as helping others for fame), loses its spiritual value, because Allah looks at what is in the hearts more than appearances. Moreover, mere good intention without an effort to act is generally not sufficient. Allah expects His servants to couple pure intentions with efforts to perform righteous deeds. It is this effort and striving that transform faith from a mental belief into a tangible reality. The purpose of human creation is to test them, to determine who performs the best deeds. This "best deed" (*ahsanu 'amala*) encompasses both pure intention and proper, high-quality execution. The Quran repeatedly refers to immense rewards for those who "do righteous deeds," indicating that intention alone is not enough; it must culminate in action. This combination of intention and action guides humanity towards salvation and divine pleasure. The conclusion is that Allah looks at *both* intention and the outcome of action, but intention is the foundation. A pure intention elevates an action that appears small, while an impure intention renders a seemingly grand action worthless. Intention defines the path of action, and action is the manifestation of this intention. The perfection of servitude lies in combining sincere intention with righteous action, as both are inseparable and are considered and weighed by Allah. This comprehensive view demonstrates Allah's infinite justice and wisdom, as He considers not only outward appearances but also the depths of human existence and inner motivations. Thus, every believer's endeavor should be to purify their heart from all impurities and intentions except seeking Allah's pleasure, and to exert utmost care and sincerity in performing deeds to attain success in this world and the Hereafter. Ultimately, the divine scale precisely and subtly evaluates both the inner and outer aspects of a person to determine perfectly just rewards and punishments.