A Message from Brother Ashfaq Taufique

The most ideal way to end the year 2018 is to make al-ehtesab (accountability) of our accomplishments, our shortcomings, our failures, both as it relates to the worldly matters but more significantly, our spirituality. The meaning al-ehtesab is very profound, but I will limit my discussion to only one meaning, “accountability”.

The concept of al-ehtesab is engrained in our faith. We believe that on the Day of Judgement, we will stand in front of our Lord and be accountable for our beliefs and our deeds. Ehtesab is to constantly evaluate and improve ourselves. One of the companions that was called a man of Jannah by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to cleanse his heart from any ill feelings towards anyone and forgive those who may have harmed him.

We are a failure if we do not put knowledge into action. In the Quran, Allah equates those people as donkeys carrying a load of tawrah (knowledge). In another place in the Quran, Allah shows His disgust on those who say, but do not act upon it.

May Allah (swt), make us among those who put the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in to our daily lives. We pray that we model our lives in the fashion of our leader Muhammad (SAW). We pray that while we make our goals for the worldly matters, we should remember death and the accountability we face. Ameen.