Absent But Present

They were ABSENT, but they were PRESENT – إنما الأعمال بالنيات

The Prophet went on an expedition.

Some Sahaba WANTED to join him, but COULDN’T.

The Prophet said to those who were with him, about those who couldn’t make it:

مَا سَلَكْنَا شِعْبًا وَلاَ وَادِيًا إِلاَّ وَهُمْ مَعَنَا فِيهِ
“We never crossed a mountain path or a valley, except that they were with us.”
[“Sahih Bukhari”, 2839].
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/56/55

They said:

‏.‏ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَهُمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَهُمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ حَبَسَهُمُ الْعُذْرُ ‏”‏ ‏.
“O Messenger of God, even though they are in Al-Madinah?!”
He said: “Even though they were in Al-Madinah. They were kept behind by (legitimate) excuses.”

[“Ibn Majah”, – 2764 – صحيح].
https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah/24/12

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They were physically absent, but they earned the rewards of being present, BECAUSE of their intention.

So keep INTENDING GOOD – even if you can’t make it, God will reward you, as if you have done it, insha Allaah.