In Islamic Spirituality (Tasawwuf), “self-auditing” is a core spiritual practice known as muḥāsabah, which means self-accounting, self-examination, or self-interrogation. It is a continuous, lifelong process of introspection and ethical development aimed at purifying the heart, disciplining the ego (nafs), and ultimately attaining proximity to the Divine.
Purpose and Practice
The practice of muḥāsabah involves the following key aspects:
- Daily Evaluation: Seekers are encouraged to take stock of their thoughts, intentions, words, and actions at the end of each day. This rigorous scrutiny is compared to an audit between business associates.
- Alignment with Divine Will: The primary goal is to assess whether one’s behaviours and decisions align with Islamic principles (Shari’a) and the Divine will. It serves as a moral compass to maintain integrity and sincerity (ikhlas) in one’s actions.
- Repentance and Rectification: Upon identifying shortcomings or sins, the individual must express sincere regret (tawbah), seek God’s forgiveness, and resolve not to repeat the mistakes. For good deeds, one expresses gratitude (shukr) and seeks guidance for continued improvement.
- Overcoming the Ego (Nafs): Self-auditing is a vital tool in the “greater Jihad” (struggle) against the lower self, which is prone to desires, anger, pride, and heedlessness. By recognising the ego’s defects, the seeker can work to overcome them and progress through the spiritual stages (maqāmāt) of the self.
- Mindfulness (Murāqabah): Muḥāsabah works in conjunction with murāqabah, which is the practice of constant vigilance and mindfulness of God’s presence, serving as a master key to ongoing self-assessment.
Ultimately, this continuous self-reflection leads to self-knowledge, which, in the spiritual tradition, is believed to lead to the knowledge of God.
“Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord.”
– Ḥilyat al-Awliyā’ 10/208
(Compiled)
Painting: Artist unknown
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