IN life, a Muslim is accountable for his deeds, and stands in integrity to uphold his life value. Albeit good-natured, a Muslim may not be granted goodness and blessings from the Almighty. It is important for Muslims to constantly pray to receive blessings and guidance from Him in order to live the way propagated by the Last Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. With strong self-accountability, Muslims will accomplish their daily tasks by taking into account the need of the aforementioned, thus be rewarded victory by Him both in this world and the hereafter.
We come to know that according to our pious predecessors self-accountability was very important and they valued their time immensely! If we want to be successful in this world and in the Hereafter, we must develop a habit of self-accountability (pondering and reflecting). The meaning of self-accountability is that we evaluate our lives; how many good deeds have we performed and how many sins have we committed. Hence, developing a habit of self-accountability is amongst the important principles of success. This is that flight of stairs that once we start climbing, we cannot only begin identifying the goodness and flaws within us, but we can also bring light and brilliance to our abilities.
Whoever makes intricate plans to achieve his goals and purposes, highlights his own weaknesses and in the light of previous mistakes and experiences, chooses a plan of action, he will gain success. The one who does not practice self-accountability can never be successful as he does not have knowledge of his shortcomings, so he cannot correct or better himself and learn from previous mistakes. This result is in him being left behind in matters of life. Therefore, we must keep an eye on our deeds and become alert if our good deeds are few, and if we have a habit of committing sins, we must remove it.
Self-accountability is described as an act which leads to the ability of an individual to assess oneself towards a cause. Individuals who possess these qualities are keen to reflect on and evaluate their daily activities positively. For Muslims, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a role model and leader. He was named as “Al-Amin” since childhood due to his wisdom, firmness, reliability and truthfulness. He (PBUH) said: Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler).
The general principle of the Islamic law of contract is contained in the Holy Qur’an: O you who believe! Fulfil all obligations. This is also a true in the case of family members. It is the obligation of each and every one of you in the context of self-accountability to strive in order to protect yourselves and your families from these seditions by feeling the need to understand the teachings of our righteous predecessors, adhere to the principles of Islam are concerning your duty to obey your leadership, supplicate Allah Almighty to grant us success, righteousness and reform, to recommend one another to the truth and to patience and exchange good advice among you.
As devoted Muslims, we must prove our faith to the Almighty and His Holy Prophet (PBUH) by taking one’s integrity and accountability means to take good care of personality and every task. Moreover, we are also entrusted with integrity and accountability towards our families, neighbours, community members and employers.
Hence, preventing corruption and enforcing national security are part of integrity and accountability for us. Such negativity in the current situation, such as inaccurate news and injustice, can be alleviated if we understand the need to have integrity and accountability to defend our nation’s dignity, as we protect our families and self. As vicegerents of the Almighty, it is our duty to propagate goodness and prevent immorality. This concept must be applied in all matters across time, especially pertaining to finance and confidentiality.
Together, we should be more observant in making this life worthwhile and in compliance with Islam, as mentioned in the Holy Quran: And there has to be a group of people from among you who call towards the good and bid the fair and forbid the Unfair. And it is these who are successful. (Ale-Imran:104)
Remember, when evaluating your previous deeds, try to make more effort in performing good deeds if you calculate that yours good deeds are a few; it is essential if we are to become successful in both worlds. If we are not tactful in the way we spend our lives, then how can we become successful? Every Islamic sisters who continues to hold themselves accountable like this will be successful. At the very least, at the end of the previous year and at the beginning of the next, we should definitely hold ourselves accountable in order to estimate how many days were taken from our precious life!
How many good deeds have we preformed? How many sins have we committed? Instead of ignoring our weaknesses, ponder over them, blame yourself, make an effort to bring changes to yourself and value the time you have left. Other than this, when the New Year commences, instead of calculating how many good and bad deeds you have committed, make a firm intention to spend your time in fulfilling the rights of the Almighty and the people. If the Almighty wills, our life in this world and the Hereafter will be blissful.
— The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
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