Self Accountability Al Muhasabah

Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty) reminds us in the Glorious Qur’an: “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.” [Surah al-Hashr 59:18-19]

Millions of people around the world use the turn of the year in the Gregorian calendar as a point of self-assessment, and consequently set themselves New Year’s resolutions to improve their lifestyles. Unsurprisingly, these resolutions are largely desirous, as only a fraction of people successfully stick to them beyond a year.

The practice of taking oneself to account, or al-muhasabah, is highly encouraged in Islam, but not once every year, rather every single day. Our purpose of existence has been told to us (worship of Allah), as well as our inevitable end (death and returning to our Lord), so what are we doing to prepare for it? We witnessed the effect of COVID and the crippling effect which it had on many. These are continuous reminders from Allah that our time in dunya (world) is diminishing and we should reset our priorities in order to be successful in this world and in the next.

The above aayah of the Qur'an reminds us to be mindful of how we are using our time while we have it, lest Allah will remove the conscience of the neglectful one and make him oblivious of his loss. So take this opportunity, right now while it's at the forefront of your mind to reset your priorities. Think about what you may be doing that takes you away from earning the pleasure of Allah and commit to actively rectifying it. Similarly, focus on what you may be doing actively in the way of Allah, and commit to building on it. And make sure you make as regular a habit of this mindset as possible, not just once a year.

May Allah correct our ways, accept whatever we do in the way of earning His pleasure, and save us from being from those whom He makes oblivious of their sins – Ameen.