Self-Reckoning (Muhasaba)

Question

Should one perform muhasaba (self-reckoning) or not? If one does, what should one do? What is the ruling if it is done collectively, as a group? Some people think this is bid‘a (an innovation). Please favour us with an answer.

Answer

Every person should call his own soul (nafs) to account. Yes, if someone with knowledge does this in order to teach someone without knowledge, or performs the muhasaba of those under his charge and instruction, that too is permitted.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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