SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. TAKING ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Imam Umar Ibnul-Khattaab may Allah be pleased with him advised in an authentic narrations that, "Call yourselves to account before you are called to account."; and undoubtedly, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa) has given us the means by which to do this: Allah says, He has shown him the two ways. [Qur'an 90:10]. In other words, mankind has been given the tools with which to distinguish good from evil, and right from wrong: observation, perception, conscience, judgement and emotion, all in a delicate balance. But even so, as we are reminded by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, such assessment is difficult unless one has the following: 1. The light of wisdom -the light by which Allah has enlightened the hearts of those who follow the teachings of the prophets. 2. The ability to discern between blessing and trials in what Allah as provided, i.e. one's wealth, time, skills, opportunities, influence, etc. - That which is used in ways pleasing to Allah contains blessing and benefit, but that which is used otherwise will be evidence against the soul on the Day of Judgement 3. Suspicion of the self, which leads to a more complete inspection - For indeed, none will harbour a negative thought about his own soul except one who knows it well, while one who thinks well of his soul is most ignorant of himself. [Ibn Al-Qayyim in Madaarij as-Saalikeen]. Except for the most private forms of worship, most of our deeds are observed by others and judged by them. However, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa) is concerned with that is in the heart. "Allah does not look to your bodies or your faces, but he looks to your hearts an deeds." [Muslim]. The quantity of deeds is therefore less important than the quality (how and why). No matter what the impression of our fellow men, the true intention behind every word and action is known only by Allah, and it is He Who judges from the position of absolute familiarity with every soul and every circumstance. ALLAH knows that which deceives the eyes and what the breasts conceal. Qur'an 40:19. To be continued in shaa ALLAH. May ALLAH purify our intentions and deeds. Aameen.