Eid Mubarak : Muhasabah (Ver. English)

 

Meaning of Muhasabah

Linguistically, "muhasabah" comes from the Arabic root "hasaba" (حَسَبَ), meaning to count, calculate, or evaluate. In an Islamic context, muhasabah refers to self-reflection or introspection—a process where an individual assesses their actions, thoughts, and intentions to determine whether they align with Allah SWT’s commands. It is an act of holding oneself accountable, recognizing shortcomings, seeking forgiveness, and striving for self-improvement to draw closer to Allah. Muhasabah is highly encouraged in Islam as it helps maintain the quality of one’s faith and character.

Detailed Explanation with Quranic Verses and Hadith

Quranic Evidence

1. Surah Al-Hashr (59): 18
   Allah SWT says:
   "يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ"
   Translation: "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."
   Explanation: This verse explicitly calls for muhasabah. The phrase "let every soul look to what it has put forth" urges believers to reflect on their deeds—whether they are good acts that will benefit them in the hereafter or sins requiring repentance. "Tomorrow" refers to the Day of Judgment, emphasizing that self-evaluation is a preparation for accountability before Allah.
2. Surah Ash-Shura (42): 30
   "وَمَا أَصَابَكُمْ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَنْ كَثِيرٍ"
   Translation: "And whatever strikes you of disaster—it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much."
   Explanation: This verse invites muhasabah during times of hardship. Calamities often reflect past mistakes, prompting believers to introspect, recognize their errors, seek forgiveness, and amend their ways.
3. Surah Ali Imran (3): 191
   "الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ"
   Translation: "Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'"
   Explanation: This verse highlights that muhasabah extends beyond actions to include contemplation (tafakkur) of Allah’s creation and life’s purpose. Such reflection fosters awareness of one’s responsibilities as a servant of Allah.

Evidence from Hadith

1. Hadith Narrated by Tirmidzi
   From Abdullah bin Umar RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
   "حَاسِبُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ تُحَاسَبُوا، وَزِنُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ تُوزَنُوا، وَتَأَهَّبُوا لِلْعَرْضِ الأَكْبَرِ"
   Translation: "Take account of yourselves before you are brought to account, weigh your deeds before they are weighed, and prepare yourselves for the great presentation [on the Day of Judgment]."
   Explanation: This hadith directly instructs believers to practice muhasabah. The Prophet SAW emphasizes self-accountability as a proactive step to correct oneself before facing divine judgment.
2. Hadith Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud
   Umar bin Khattab RA said:
   "حَاسِبُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ تُحَاسَبُوا، فَإِنَّهُ أَهْوَنُ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْحِسَابِ أَنْ تُحَاسِبُوا أَنْفُسَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ"
   Translation: "Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable, for it will be easier for you in the reckoning if you account for yourselves today."
   Explanation: Umar’s words reinforce the importance of muhasabah as a means to lighten one’s burden on the Day of Judgment. By addressing faults now, a person reduces what they will answer for later.
3. Hadith Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim
   The Prophet SAW said:
   "الْكَيِّسُ مَنْ دَانَ نَفْسَهُ وَعَمِلَ لِمَا بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَالْعَاجِزُ مَنْ أَتْبَعَ نَفْسَهُ هَوَاهَا وَتَمَنَّى عَلَى اللَّهِ"
   Translation: "The wise person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death, while the incapable one is he who follows his desires and merely hopes in Allah [without effort]."
   Explanation: Muhasabah is a trait of the wise. It involves controlling oneself, ensuring actions align with the hereafter’s goals, rather than succumbing to fleeting desires.

How to Practice Muhasabah

1. Timing: Ideally done at night before sleep or after prayers, when the heart is calm and reflective.
2. Reviewing Daily Deeds: Ask, “What did I do today? Did I obey Allah or commit sins?”
3. Repentance: Upon recognizing faults, seek forgiveness immediately and resolve to improve.
4. Supplication: Pray for guidance and strength, such as reciting from Surah Al-Fatihah: "اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ" ("Guide us to the straight path").

Benefits of Muhasabah

• Identifying sins and personal weaknesses.
• Enhancing awareness of Allah’s presence (muraqabah).
• Encouraging better morals and worship.
• Protecting the heart from heedlessness and major sins.

Conclusion

Muhasabah is a vital Islamic practice that calls every Muslim to self-assess for the sake of worldly and eternal betterment. Supported by Quranic verses like Surah Al-Hashr (59):18 and hadiths from the Prophet SAW, it is clear that muhasabah is a path to piety and salvation. It’s not just reflection but a call to action—correcting oneself before time runs out. May we all be granted the strength to consistently practice muhasabah. Ameen. (grok)