Muhasabah (Self-Evaluation): A Spiritual Practice for Inner Transformation

In the sacred words of the Noble Qur’ān, Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) exhorts believers:

"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 Aware of what you do." (59:18)

This profound verse emphasizes the cultivation of taqwā, both in public and private domains, as an essential trait for those who hold the flame of faith. It urges individuals to evaluate their present actions, foresee their impact in the hereafter, and approach life with a focus on the eternal realm. By nurturing this consciousness, believers strive to stand before Allah with hearts unburdened and actions worthy of His pleasure.

**ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb's Wisdom**

ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) wisely advised, "Hold yourselves accountable in this world before you are held accountable in the hereafter. Scrutinize your actions today before they are scrutinized tomorrow, for tomorrow's Reckoning will be less severe if today's self-examination is thorough."

**Muḥasābah: Self-Accountability and Rectification**

Muḥasābah is an act of the heart that involves self-examination and rectification. It necessitates evaluating one's actions, behaviors, and inner self, identifying shortcomings, and making amends while continuing to uphold virtuous deeds.

When we engage in the practice of self-evaluation, we acknowledge our sins, repent earnestly, and make a determined commitment to abstain from repeating those transgressions. Additionally, we pinpoint the root causes of our missteps and strategize ways to distance ourselves from triggering factors.

Likewise, in the pursuit of upholding Allah's rights, we avoid complacency in our worship by recognizing areas where we fall short. This prevents us from becoming conceited about our efforts and redirects our reliance from our deeds to Allah's mercy and assistance. We conclude this evaluation by beseeching Allah's aid in worshiping Him with excellence.

Amidst identifying our shortcomings, we contrast them with Allah's countless blessings, cultivating a sense of modesty (ḥayā) in our hearts. Reflecting on the vastness of His blessings and our inadequate gratitude fuels a heightened sense of awe and humility. Our ingratitude becomes a stark contrast to His generosity, inviting us to transform our ways.

**Avoiding the Path of Heedlessness**

For those who forget Allah and His rights, Allah warns, "And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. It is they who are defiantly disobedient." (59:19)

By neglecting Allah's remembrance and disregarding His rights, individuals lose not only their connection to the Divine but also their own well-being. Abandoning our Creator for the pursuit of fleeting desires leads to self-forgetfulness and eventual self-destruction.

**Controlling the Nafs**

Understanding the treacherous nature of the nafs, the inner self, is crucial. Left unchecked, the nafs drives us towards sin and heedlessness. Like a deceptive business partner, it requires vigilant oversight. Treating our nafs strictly, holding it accountable, and guiding it towards obedience, empower us to prevent its unchecked wanderings.

**The Ongoing Journey of Muḥasābah**

Muḥasābah is not a one-time task. It's a continuous endeavor that requires daily attention. We challenge our nafs, question our intentions, and confront distractions. We seek forgiveness for our daily shortcomings before sleep, liberate our hearts from ill feelings, and grant pardon to those who wronged us. We remain aware that the next day is not guaranteed, urging us to live with urgency and sincerity.

**Guiding Questions for Self-Reflection**

- Did my actions stem solely from the desire to please Allah?

- Where did my worship fall short? Did distractions compromise my prayers?

- Did I elevate an ordinary deed to an act of worship through intention?

- How much time was spent on enriching my spiritual and mental well-being?

- Is my screen time aligned with my spiritual goals?

**A Lifelong Pursuit of Accountability**

In the words of ʿĀmir b. ʿAbd Qays (raḥimahullāh), "I saw companions of the Prophet ﷺ who told me that those who held themselves accountable in the world will possess the purest faith on the Day of Judgment."

Muḥasābah is the anchor for those who seek knowledge, calling others to Allah, and pursuing the path of righteousness. It equips them to transcend envy, pride, hatred, and backbiting.

May Allah (al-Bāṭin) bestow upon us the awareness to assess our outward and inward deeds and enable us to approach the inevitable meeting with Him with hearts purified by the ongoing practice of self-evaluation.