Chapter VIII: Self-Examination and Self-Accounting
(3) Third matter-Mohasabah or taking accounts: There are great merits in taking accounts of oneself. God says in a verse - "O those who believe, fear God and let a man look to what he sent in advance for tomorrow." There is a hint herein of taking accounts of past actions. For this reason, Hazrat Omar said: Take accounts of your action before accounts are taken from you and weigh your actions before they are weighed upon. There is in Hadis that a wise man should have four divisions of time. In one division he shall take accounts of himself. God says - O believers, return you all to God that you may be successful. The Prophet said: I seek forgiveness to God one hundred times daily.
Some examples are given below how the saints and sages took strict account of themselves and put rigours upon themselves to gain pleasure of God. (1) Hazrat Omar used to beat his two feet with sticks and say: What actions have you done to day? (2) Maimun-b-Mihran said: No man can become God-fearing till he takes strict account of himself more than what he takes from his partner in business, (3) Hazrat Abu Bakr said at the time of his death: There is no friend dearer to me than Omar. Then he corrected himself and said: There is no friend more honourable to me than Omar. This correction was necessary as the Prophet was dearest to him. (4) It is reported of Hazrat Abu Talha that when he was praying, the thought of a wonderful bird of his garden fell in his mind. He became repentant and gifted away the entire garden. (5) It is reported of the saint Ibn Salam that once he was carrying a load of fire-wood. Some one said to him, O Abu Eusuf are not your sons and servants sufficient for
344 THE BOOK OF CONSTRUCTIVE VIRTUES Vol-IV
this? He said: I wish to put myself to trial. (6) Hasan Basari said: A believer is a guard over himself. He takes account of himself for Allah. The account of those who take account of themselves in the world will be easy on Resurrection Day and the account of tho§e who do not take account of themselves will be difficult. (7) Anas b Malek said: I came out with Hazrat Omar. He entered a garden and there was a wall only intervening between him and me. I heard him say: Well, Omar, you are pleased with the word. Ameerul Momeehin (Leader of the faithful). Beware! Fear God and be prepared to accept the punishment of God. (8) Maimun-b-Mehran said: A pious man takes account of himself more strictly than what his king or greedy partner takes .from him.