Self-Purification
The writer, Hasina Khalil Champsi (Toronto, Canada) is a mother of four whose goal in life is to empower individuals with skills following the Seerah of our Ahlulbayt (AS).
M
uhasaba or Self-Reflection after the Holy Month helps one to plan and achieve goals which one sets during the Night of Qadr. The goal is to ensure that deeds are solely done for Allah swt, not for praise, recognition or admiration.
¨O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for Tomorrow, and be wary of Allah. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do¨
The benefits of self-accounting are to allow a person to become familiar with his or her positives and negatives. It helps in self-growth – Maarifat un Nafs is in some ways similar to Biofeedback therapies, many physicians in some Western countries recommend to patients whose active participation in the healing process is needed or to patients for whom modern medicine has not found a cure.
In the Holy Quran 17:70, Allah swt honours mankind.
¨Certainly, we have honoured the Children of Adam, and carried them over land and sea, and provided them with all the good things, and preferred them with a complete preference over many of those We have created.¨
The importance of Maarifat un Nas is that man knows that he is a very precious creation of Allah (SWT). This recognition helps human beings to keep as far away from corrupting their souls.
Imam Ali (AS) says, “Whoever views himself with respect views his desires with disdain”
In other words, the Imam is saying that once a person becomes aware of himself, understands how precious he or she is, and the worthy goals he can set for himself, his own desires appear light, insignificant, and unworthy to him. Thus, fighting temptation becomes easier, and this is one of the benefits of self-knowledge.
The second Hadith is from the letter that Imam ‘Ali sent to his son, Imam Hasan (‘a), advising him on matters important to him. The words are like precious jewels, and we, the ordinary Muslims, are more in need of hearing and remembering such advice than the Imam, to whom the letter was addressed:
“Keep yourself above every low thing, even though it may take you to your desires, because what you will receive in return is nowhere near worth that which you will have to give of yourself. Do not let anything enslave you, for Allah created you free.¨
Recognising and Overcoming the Traits of Showing Off Context
Imam Ali begins his counsel with a profound reminder, and that is, “Dignity and Honour of a Human Being”. A believer must honour their own soul, simply by understanding the esteem. status of Allah swt. When a person becomes conscious of this divine honour, they begin to view their actions through the lens of dignity and responsibility. They understand that their worth is not determined by worldly recognition but by their character and their relationship with Allah. As a result, they refrain from engaging in anything that would degrade their soul, choosing instead to uphold the noble standard with which they were created.
When a person recognises their God-given honour, they will refuse to engage in actions that degrade their character.
Reflective Learning:
Do I value my worth in the eyes of Allah, or do I value my worth with wealth, power, status, people’s approval, and worldly desires?
Regular self-assessment helps eliminate ostentation,
Regular self-assessment helps eliminate ostentation by encouraging a person to pause and examine the true motives behind their actions. The journey of self-assessment is a remarkable path toward personal refinement and spiritual growth. Through sincere reflection, one learns to distinguish between what is genuinely good and what may be driven by ego or the desire for recognition.
Often, people are tempted to attract attention by creating a sense of buzz around themselves—whether through outward appearances, fashion statements, or by speaking in ways that highlight their own achievements and abilities. While such actions may bring temporary admiration, they can also foster envy and distract the heart from sincerity.
Ostentation refers to the act of attracting or seeking attention, admiration, or even envy through unnecessary display or exaggeration. It is characterised by excessive showiness or elaborate presentation, such as a conspicuous display of wealth, status, or knowledge. True self-assessment helps a person become aware of these tendencies, allowing them to replace showmanship with humility and sincerity, and to strive for actions that are valued not by people’s praise but by Allah’s pleasure. So how can I eliminate being ostentatious?
- Self-Reproach Soul
Ask yourself, did I do this action for Allah, or was I secretly hoping someone would notice me and praise me?
Whenever one feels like that, recite
And I swear by the self-critical soul! (75:2)
- Iklass
Ask yourself, if no one ever finds out what I did, would I still feel it was worth it?
The best way to maintain the purity of Intention is to have an intention established in the beginning of a task.
Whenever one is dragged into the negative recite
Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer and my worship, my life and my death are for the sake of Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.¨(6:162)
- Protecting Your Private Worship
Ask yourself, do you accidentally speak about what you do in private, for example, Tahajjud, or charity, etc.?
Recite this verse to keep you grounded
If you disclose your charities, that is well, but if you hide them and give them to the poor, that is better for you, and it will atone for some of your misdeeds, and Allah is well aware of what you do.(2:271)
- Recognising the Illusion of Praise.
Ask yourself, Do I enjoy being praised, reminding myself of the Day of Judgement. Those who acted to show off will be told to seek their reward from the people they were trying to impress.
Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers, who show off but deny aid.
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