Dear Islamic brothers! Making efforts to reform oneself and others is among the fundamental objectives of Islam. Today, there a large number of people who are gradually forgetting this purpose. One of the best means of reformation is self-accountability; reflecting on the deeds you performed. Today, we will learn about the importance and benefits of self-accountability, listen to some accounts of how the righteous performed self-accountability, and also discuss how, in today’s age, we can review our actions on a daily basis. May Allah Almighty enable us to listen to the entire speech with good intentions.

Let us first listen to an account highlighting the blessings of self-accountability.  

O Nafs! Fear Allah

There was a man from Banī Isrāˈīl who was a devout worshipper. He spent his nights engaged in the worship of Allah, and he would sell goods to people during the day. He frequently held himself accountable, reviewing his actions, saying: “O nafs! Fear Allah.”

One day, he left his house to earn his livelihood as usual. As he was walking, he reached the door of a wealthy man and called out to sell his goods. When the rich man’s wife saw the handsome man near her home, she called him inside the palace, saying: “O trader, my heart has become inclined towards you. I possess abundant wealth and the finest garments. Leave this work, and I will give you silk garments and a great amount of wealth.”

Upon hearing this offer, his nafs was drawn towards the woman, but immediately, as per his habit of addressing his nafs, said: “O nafs! Fear Allah.” Then he replied to the woman: “I fear my Almighty Lord.”

The woman said: “You cannot leave without fulfilling my desire.”

Once again, he said: “O nafs! Fear Allah Almighty!” and started to think of a way out. Eventually, he said to the woman: “Give me some time so that I may perform ablution and offer two units of prayer.”

When permission was granted, he performed ablution and went up to the rooftop. After offering two units of prayer, he looked down from the roof and