Reward According to Intention

Sayyiduna Abu Kabshah Ansari (Radi Allahu Anhu) heard the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying,

‘‘There are four types of people:

The first is a man to whom Allah granted wealth and knowledge and he practices abstinence, treats relatives well and knows the rights of Allah. He is in the best rank and stage.

The second is a man to whom Allah granted knowledge but he has no wealth. His intention is good and he says, if I had wealth I would act like so and so. This man is with his intention, and both these men are equal in reward.

The third is a man to whom Allah granted wealth but not knowledge. He spends his wealth without knowledge. He is not pious, does not treat his relatives well and does not recognise the rights of Allah in His blessing. This is the worst type.

The fourth is a man to whom Allah has not granted wealth or knowledge, he says, if I had wealth I would act like so and so (the third person). He is with his intention, and both these men are equal in sin.’’ [Jami’ Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Page 146, Hadith 2332]