Are we accountable for having bad thoughts?
Answer
If by “bad thoughts” you mean, having a bad impression of someone, then that has been explicitly prohibited & labelled a sin in the Quran. (Surah Hujurat, Ayah: 12)
Evil Intentions
On the other hand, the rule for having an evil intention varies.
There are different stages of “intention”
One will not be taken to task for a passing thought, or an intention to do wrong.
But if a person has a firm determination to commit evil, then he/she will be responsible for that kind of an intention, even if the deed was not committed.
Note: The punishment for having an evil determination will not be equal to the punishment of doing the deed itself.
Refer for all of the above to: Ikmalul Mu’lim, vol.1 pg.425, Fathul Bari, hadith: 6491 & Fathul Mulhim, vol.2 pg.202.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar