Hadith #10399

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and its profound impact on our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (hold yourselves to account) "حاسِبُوا". This word comes from the root "حَسَبَ" which means to take account, to calculate, or to evaluate. It implies a deep introspection and self-reflection, where one assesses their actions, intentions, and their alignment with the teachings of Islam. This self-accountability is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey, as it allows us to recognize our shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and strive for self-improvement.

The second significant word is (you will be safe) "تَأْمَنُوا". It derives from the root "أَمِنَ" which means to be secure, to be free from fear or harm. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the safety and tranquility that one attains by holding themselves accountable. When we constantly evaluate our actions and seek to rectify our mistakes, we develop a sense of inner peace and protection from the fear of Allah's punishment. This self-accountability becomes a shield that safeguards us from the consequences of our wrongdoings.

The third important word is (fear) "الرَّهَبَ". It signifies the fear of Allah's punishment and the consequences of our actions. By holding ourselves accountable, we can alleviate this fear and replace it with a sense of security and hope in Allah's mercy. This fear should not paralyze us, but rather motivate us to strive for righteousness and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings.

The fourth key word is (you will attain) "تُدْرِكُوا". It is derived from the root "دَرَكَ" which means to reach, to attain, or to achieve. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to attaining what we desire from that which is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we hold ourselves accountable and strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, we increase our chances of attaining the blessings, rewards, and mercy that Allah has promised to those who are righteous.

To further understand the significance of self-accountability, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18):

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It reminds us that every individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for them. By holding ourselves accountable, we can strive to improve and rectify our actions, seeking Allah's pleasure and protection from His punishment.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:16):

So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the connection between self-accountability and success. By fearing Allah and holding ourselves accountable, we can overcome the stinginess of our souls, which inclines us towards selfishness and neglect of our duties towards Allah and others. Through self-accountability, we can cultivate generosity, obedience, and a sincere desire to please Allah, leading to success in this life and the Hereafter.

In light of these Quranic verses and the exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the profound impact of self-accountability on our spiritual journey. By regularly evaluating our actions, intentions, and aligning them with the teachings of Islam, we can attain a sense of security, protection from the fear of Allah's punishment, and the blessings and rewards promised by Him. Self-accountability is a means to seek Allah's pleasure, rectify our mistakes, and strive for continuous self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to hold ourselves accountable and attain His mercy and forgiveness.