Quranic Answer
In the Holy Quran, the intention and actions of individuals are greatly emphasized. Allah states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 225, "Allah is aware of what is in your hearts." This verse shows us that the value which Allah places on our actions depends not only on the act itself but also on the intention behind it. Good intentions can lead to rewards; however, they cannot justify sinful actions. For example, if someone intends to present themselves positively on social media or among others through inappropriate behavior, merely having a good intention in this matter cannot justify the resulting act. Conversely, Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 30, reminds us that with bad intentions we fall into sin, and these bad intentions guide a person towards error and wrongdoing. Therefore, good intentions can never justify a sin. People must always be mindful of their intentions and use them to achieve goodness, but actions must always comply with divine commandments. Ultimately, there is a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that states: "Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to their intention," which clearly illustrates that intention, alongside action, is significant, and an individual must always be vigilant to set their intentions for righteous deeds.
Related Verses
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or made a mistake. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us.
Al-Baqarah : 225
إِنَّمَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللَّهُ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ وَكُنَّا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Indeed, Allah will take you to account for what your hearts have earned.
Al-Ma'idah : 30
Short Story
A tale from Saadi: One day in a castle, a man decides to help out with a good intention by preparing food for the poor. However, instead of consulting and collaborating with others, he goes alone and prepares food, but it gets spoiled and is worthless. He realizes that even a good intention is not enough, and one must have unity and cooperation in fulfilling responsibilities.