Review your deeds before judgment
“We assess our day and see how we can improve.”
Believers should practice daily self-accountability by reviewing their actions, improving their intentions, and taking responsibility before facing judgment.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The story of Hanzala and Abu Bakr illustrates concern about fluctuating spiritual states.
- The Prophet teaches that faith naturally has different moments of intensity.
- The approaching Islamic new year provides an opportunity for reflection and accountability.
- Muhasabah begins before an action through examining intentions and continues afterward through reviewing consequences.
- Good deeds should be evaluated for sincerity, conformity to the Prophet’s example, awareness of Allah, and gratitude.
- The examples of Adam and Iblis contrast taking responsibility with blaming others, leading to nightly review and morning planning.
In the khateeb's words
“before even doing the action, we should have that level of accountability, thinking about the consequences of those actions.”
“Anything that's not a sin can be a good deed if it's done with the right intention.”
“And so, let's make it a point that every night, every evening, we assess our day and see how we can improve.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that our faith naturally rises and falls, so a lower moment does not mean we should give up. We can practice muhasabah, or self-accountability, by reviewing our deeds each evening and planning our intentions each morning. We should continue good deeds while improving their sincerity, following the Prophet’s example, and awareness of Allah. Ordinary responsibilities such as work, school, helping parents, and serving neighbors can become worship when done with good intentions. Like Adam, we should admit mistakes, take responsibility, and keep moving toward Allah.
- What is one good deed you want to improve this week?
- How can an ordinary chore or school task become rewarding through intention?
- What helps you notice and take responsibility for a mistake?
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