Self-Accounting
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Then, on this occasion, I say: It is perhaps very appropriate for a person to conclude his year by reflecting, contemplating, and thinking about what he has done and what he is doing. If he has hit the mark and done well, let him praise Allah for that and ask Him for more of His grace. If he has been negligent, let him make up for it. If it is in leaving an obligatory duty that can be made up, let him do so. If it is in leaving an obligatory duty that cannot be made up, let him seek forgiveness from Allah the Exalted for what has happened. If it is in committing a forbidden act, let him seek Allah's forgiveness and repent. Let him think! I say this while I am the most negligent among you, but I ask Allah for well-being and success.
A person should think seriously. If merchants who strive in this world to earn profit review their ledgers every year, looking at what comes in and what goes out, why should not those who trade with Allah the Mighty and Sublime act as these do? For working in the worship of Allah is, in reality, a trade. Allah the Mighty and Sublime says: [Surat al-Saff: 10-11] He made faith in Allah and His Messenger, and striving in His cause, a trade, and it is truly a trade; it is the profitable trade. As for this world, its trade, even if it increases, may result in a loss.
I ask Allah the Exalted to grant me and you the ability to seize times with what brings us closer to Him, to pardon us for what we have neglected of His rights, and to overlook our sins. Indeed, He is capable of all things.
A person should think seriously. If merchants who strive in this world to earn profit review their ledgers every year, looking at what comes in and what goes out, why should not those who trade with Allah the Mighty and Sublime act as these do? For working in the worship of Allah is, in reality, a trade. Allah the Mighty and Sublime says:
(10) O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? (11) [It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you should know.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى تِجَارَةٍ تُنْجِيكُمْ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ * تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِI ask Allah the Exalted to grant me and you the ability to seize times with what brings us closer to Him, to pardon us for what we have neglected of His rights, and to overlook our sins. Indeed, He is capable of all things.