This excerpt is taken from Sheikh al-Islam Imam Ibn Taymiyyah's book Al-Jawab al-Bahir fi Zuwar al-Maqabir, translated by Sheikh Ataullah Saqib.
The Virtue of Sincerity of Intention and Righteous Deeds
The excellence of deeds depends on the correctness of intention, obedience to Allah, and firm faith:
إن الله لا ينظر إلى صوركم وأموالكم وإنما ينظر إلى قلوبكم وأعمالكم
"Allah does not look at your outward appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim, Book of Virtue and Maintaining Ties: Chapter on the Prohibition of Oppressing a Muslim and Abandoning Him, Hadith: 2564/34)
Punishment will be given for bad intentions and neglecting obligatory duties, which causes difficulties in this world and the Hereafter. The calamities that befall a person are due to his misdeeds. The Divine command is:
إِنْ أَحْسَنْتُمْ أَحْسَنْتُمْ لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ ۖ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَا ۚ
"If you do good, it is for your own good; and if you do evil, it is against your own self."
Reference: (17-Al-Isra:7)
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ
"And whatever affliction befalls you, it is because of what your own hands have earned. And He pardons much."
Reference: (42-Ash-Shura:30)
The commentators have written that sustenance, well-being, and health are blessings from Allah, and calamities and difficulties are sent due to a person's sins.
