The Prophet ﷺ said “When you think about the faults of your companion, recall your own faults”.1 This Hadith encapsulates a profound truth: the journey of self-improvement begins with introspection, not judgement of others.
In the Quran, Allah says “and in your yourselves [we have created signs for you], do you not see?”2 Again, reiterating the central axis of oneself and urging us to turn inward.
Amidst these reminders and signs, one question persists: When will we truly turn our gaze inward?
Imam Hasan Basri defines the believer as a guardian of their own soul. One who assesses their own actions and intentions.3 I have heard from the Ulama attributed to Sayyiduna Umar, to hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable. No doubt, on the day of judgement, everyone will stand accountable for each and every one of their actions.
The Great Shaykh Ibn Arabi mentions a ritual of introspection that the predecessors undertook. After the night prayer [Salat al-Isha], they would bring out their register and look at all that they said and did. They would analyse this with what it required. If it required seeking forgiveness, they would seek forgiveness. If it required expressing gratitude, they would express gratitude. Ibn Arabi adds thoughts to this list, and records whatever thoughts would go through the mind, give particular attention to them and take account of them.4
Ibn Qayyim eludes to a potential reason for the addition of thoughts. You should repulse a thought. If you do not do so, it will develop into a desire. You should therefore wage war against it. If you do not do so, it will become a resolution and a firm intention. If you do not repulse this, it will develop into a deed. If you do not make up for it, then it will become a habit. It will then be very difficult for you to give it up. Ibn Qayyim lays out the insidious nature of unchecked thoughts, emphasising the importance of vigilance in our inner landscapes.
Imam Ghazali warns to never be devoid of good actions or of spiritual states. The Imam further adds “O Son, knowledge without action is madness and action without knowledge is void”5. Reflection and holding oneself to account is a means of gaining knowledge of oneself, of ones actions and thoughts, otherwise these will not be registered by the person. Merely just self-assessing but not doing anything about it is madness and comical, whereas self-assessing allows you to choose and act upon the appropriate action. True wisdom lies in the integration of knowledge and action, wherein self-assessment and accountability serves as a gateway to transformative knowledge.
Iqbal says “Do not be heedless of the self, confine your gaze to the self, perhaps you are the locus of some sacred shrine”6. Echoing the earlier points, Iqbal beckons us to heed the sanctity within, recognising the potential for greatness that resides in each soul.
The teachings of the sages lays out the path to self-discovery. Introspection and accountability are emphasised by numerous figures, of which a few have been presented. Turning the gaze inwards is imperative to embark on the journey of the self.
إِذَا أَرَدْتَ أَنْ تَذْكُرَ عُيُوبَ صَاحِبِكَ فَاذْكُرْ عُيُوبَ نَفْسِكَ - Bukhari
Quran 51:21 وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ
Risalah al-Mustarshidin by Imam Muhasibi
ibid, also Fayd al-Qadir by Imam Manawi
Ayyuha’l-walad. أيها الولد، العلم بلا عمل جنون، والعمل بغير علم لا يكون
غافل نہ ہو خودی سے کر اپنی پاسبانی
شاید کسی حرم کا تو بھی ہے آستانہ (Bal e Jibreel)