Self-accountability is the analysis of our actions. If we analyze our deeds every day it will be easy for us to improve ourselves. In self-accountability, the most important things are our intention and action. For example, when we are getting knowledge, we should consider why we are getting the knowledge. Is this the right knowledge to get and can we make use of this knowledge? Our intention must be for the sake of Allah. Our action must be in a way of Islam.
The following are the things that we can do to purify our souls?
1- Learn Quran and sunnah (Hadhees) – we must learn the Quran and the life of Prophet Mohammed Sallallahu alaihi wasallam every day till the end of our life.
2- Do the five pillars of Islam correctly – when we are doing the five pillars of Islam, we must do the way prophet Mohammed Sallallahu alaihi wasallam performed those fard deeds as he has sent to teach us how to live.
3- Do morning and evening zikr. – In Quran the meaning of Surath al Ahzab, verse 42 is “And exalt Him morning and afternoon”
4- Always remember Allah – In Quran, the meaning of Surah al Ahzab verse 41 is “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance”.
5- Do isthiufaar often – in Saheeh Muslim book035, number 6523: “Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day. “
6- Send a blessing to the Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him) – In Quran the meaning of Surah al Ahzab, verse56 is “Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the prophet, and His angels (ask Him to do so). O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.
7- Believe in the six pillars of Iman and Spend on family, relatives, and who are in need – In Quran the meaning of Surah al Baqara, verse 177 is ” Righteousness is not that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but (true) righteousness is (in) one who believes in Allah, the last day, the angels, the Book and the prophets and gives wealth, despite the love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask (for help), and for freeing slaves; (and who) establishes prayer and gives zakah;(those who ) full fill their promise when they promise; and (those who) are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are righteous.”
8- Lower our gaze – If we want to watch movies or anything we should watch permissible things in Islam.
9- Listen to good things – If we want to listen to anything we should listen to the right things.
10-Talk good things – Always we should remember to talk right things. If we can’t talk right things it is better to be silent.
11- Ask Allah for everything – Make dhua to Allah asking to purify our soul.
What are the things we should stop doing to purify our souls?
Worshipping our whims and desires – (don’t do what your nafs want. We should do what’s in Quran and sunnah, then only we can worship Allah alone)
Corrupting your heart – (don’t talk too much, don’t watch unnecessary things and don’t listen to gossip, and don’t read useless things)
Complaining – (learn from mistakes and correct yourself and be patient)
Associating with sinners and the disobedient – (don’t be with people who disobey Allah)
Copying the disbelievers’ lifestyle – (Don’t learn disbelievers’ lifestyle. Learn and copy Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him) In Quran Surathul Ahzab Ayah 21, Allah said:
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا
The meaning of the verse is “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.”
Gossiping and backbiting – do some good work without wasting time.
Watching Non-Islamic movies, dramas, etc – If we watch these types of things we will start loving them. We won’t learn any good things. And it will be difficult to concentrate on salah. So we should stop watching that.
To purify our souls we should be dependent on Allah. We should be Aakhira-oriented. By planning our day we can do more good deeds. So it is very important to plan our life daily. At the end of the day, we should reflect on the deeds we did. And see what we can do to make it better the next day. If we make accountability for our deeds, we can improve ourselves. So it is very important in purifying our souls. May Allah protect and purify our souls to the highest level of Jannath.
Ref: https://quran.com and sahih Muslim app.
