THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. TAKING ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. How easy it is to make excuses or justify oneself to others. However, one must constantly remember that Allah is aware of the entire truth; therefore, we ourselves must face the truth as well. Speaking directly to His servants in the Qur'an, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa) says: And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves so be aware of Allah. Qur'an 2:235. Truly He knows the secret and what is even more hidden. Qur'an 20:7 Whether you show what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will hold you to account for it. Qur'an 2:284 These verses were terrifying to the Prophet's companions (radiallahu 'anhu). Because of their intense devotion and their consciousness of Allah, they often worried about certain thoughts and feelings that came to them, repeatedly asking the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) about them until they were finally reassured, "Allah has overlooked for me in my community that which occurs in their minds as long as they neither speak of it nor act upon it." [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, An-Nasaai, Ibn Maajah]. The pious companions and their followers were the most critical of their own souls, always seeking to correct themselves in anticipation of the Judgement; and indeed, they were the best of the community. After the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had confided to Hudhayfah the names of some of the hypocrites, 'Umar asked him fearfully, "Am I among them?" Thus, when Allah wishes good for His servant, HE makes him aware of his own faults. Allahu Akbar. May Allah have mercy on us all and purify our hearts and intentions. Aameen.