What is muḥāsabah (self-reckoning)?

"The one who knows continually returns with his reflection to his remembrance and with his remembrance to his reflection until the lock on his heart is opened by the permission of the All-Knowing Opener. الحَسَن البَصْرِيّ said: The people of knowledge have always returned with remembrance to reflection and with reflection to remembrance, engaging the hearts until they speak. The author of "The Stations" said: Remembrance is above reflection because reflection is a search, while remembrance is a presence."

"However, there is also a reason to delay it after accountability, which is that accountability can only occur after repentance has been corrected. In truth, repentance is framed by two acts of accountability: one before it, which necessitates its obligation, and one after it, which ensures its preservation. Thus, repentance is surrounded by accountability on both sides."

"When a person follows their desires, their judgment and perspective become corrupted, causing them to see the good in the form of the bad and the bad in the form of the good, confusing truth with falsehood. How then can they benefit from remembrance, reflection, or admonition? The Fruit of Reflection is Gathered Through Three Things He said: The fruit of reflection is gathered through three things: shortness of hope, contemplation of the القُرْآن, and minimizing social interactions, desires, attachment to anything other than اللّٰه, indulgence in food, and excessive sleep."

"When a person holds themselves accountable, they recognize their obligations and fulfill them, thereby freeing themselves from them and returning to their rightful owner. This is the essence of repentance, which is why it is more appropriate to precede it with accountability. However, there is also a reason to delay it after accountability, which is that accountability can only occur after repentance has been corrected."

"One might avoid thinking about anything other than the Quran but still listen to it without true reflection. The goal of reading is reflection, which is why recitation with deliberation is encouraged. This supports internal reflection through external recitation. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "There is no good in worship without understanding, nor in recitation without reflection.""

"Most people recognize its value but are ignorant of its true essence, its fruit, and its method. They do not know how to reflect, on what to reflect, or why to reflect. Unveiling all this is important, and we will first mention the virtue of reflection. The Virtue of Reflection Allah Almighty has commanded reflection and contemplation in His esteemed Book and has praised those who reflect."

"We have arranged accountability in five stages, and for the child, it applies in the first two stages: identification and gentle advice and counsel. The child does not have accountability involving censure, rebuke, threat, or direct beating, which are the last two stages. Now, does the child have accountability in the third stage, where it might lead to harming or displeasing the parent?"

"The Prophet replied, "To believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, in death, the resurrection after death, accountability, Paradise, Hell, and all of fate. In another narration by Muslim, accountability is not mentioned. The two Shaykhs, Bukhari and Muslim, narrate from 'Aisha: "Whoever is closely examined in accountability will be tormented."

"of the world from the senses, and at other times from the preserved tablet. Just as the eye can perceive the sun directly or through its reflection in water, the heart can see things through the preserved tablet when the veil is lifted, allowing knowledge to flow directly without relying on the senses. This is like water flowing from deep within the earth. Conversely, focusing on sensory imaginations can act as a barrier to witnessing the preserved tablet, just as looking at a reflection of the sun in water is not the same as looking at the sun itself. The heart has two gates, one open to the unseen realm,"

"These three categories draw from the heart a deep knowledge, love, fear and hope for God. Consistent reflection on these, along with remembrance, fills the heart with a complete coloring of knowledge and love. The fourth type involves reflecting on one's own faults, the flaws of the soul and the defects in one's deeds. This reflection is immensely beneficial. It opens the door to all good, significantly weakening the dominance of the commanding self. Once subdued, the tranquil self thrives and flourishes. The fifth type is reflecting on the duty and function of the present moment, focusing all concern"