muhasabah

Muhasabah, from the Arabic term muhāsabah meaning "accounting" or "reckoning," is a spiritual and ethical practice in Islam involving self-examination of one’s beliefs, intentions, and actions to assess their alignment with divine commands and moral standards. The aim is to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness) and sincerity, guard against sin, and pursue improvement. In Islamic thought, muhasabah is not merely confession but an ongoing discipline that can be performed daily or at intervals, often by reviewing the period just passed and comparing deeds, intentions, and neglected duties with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Practitioners may assess various dimensions: worship, dealings, character, time management, wealth, health, knowledge, and speech. It involves inspecting the heart for sincerity versus hypocrisy, and recognizing factors that led to shortcomings. If faults are found, one engages in tawbah (repentance), seeks forgiveness from God, repairs relationships, and modifies behavior. In the Sufi tradition, muhasabah is paired with muraqabah (watchfulness) and is a key part of the spiritual path to purify the heart and awaken conscience, counteracting riyā’ (showing off) and laxity.

In modern discourse, muhasabah is invoked as a framework for ethical self-regulation, personal development, and accountability within families, communities, and institutions. While its practices vary, the core principle remains: deliberate self-scrutiny aimed at drawing closer to God through improved conduct and intention.