Name: The Concept of Accountability in Islam (English) · June 21, 2007 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2017-10-28
Duration: 58 min 37 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “The Concept of Accountability in Islam (English) · June 21, 2007”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:10 rab ishrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wah lul uqdatan min lisani, yafqahu qawli. رب اشرح لی صدری، ویسر لی امری، واحل العقدۃ من لسانی، یفقہ قولی.

0:25 The topic for this day is the concept of accountability in Islam. The topic for this day is the concept of accountability in Islam.

0:40 Anybody who studies Quran will find that the accountability is interwoven in the whole teaching of Islam. Anybody who studies Quran will find that the accountability is interwoven in the whole teaching of Islam.

0:50 It is the essential part. It is the essential part.

1:00 Accountability is the essential part of Islamic teachings. Without Accountability is the essential part of Islamic teachings. Without

1:10 accountability, there is no religion of Islam. accountability, there is no religion of Islam.

1:19 So it is very important. So it is very important.

1:27 In the very first chapter, you can read this concept: Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alameen Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem Maaliki Yawmid Deen. In the very first chapter, you can read this concept: الحمد لله رب العالمین الرحمن الرحیم مالک یوم الدین.

1:35 This is in the first chapter of the Quran: Maaliki Yawmid Deen, Lord of the Day of Judgment This is in the first chapter of the Quran: مالک یوم الدین, Lord of the Day of Judgment

1:43 .

1:50 Lord of the Day of Judgment, this is the accountability. Lord of the Day of Judgment, this is the accountability.

1:56 It means that God is not only the Creator of this world. It means that God is not only the Creator of this world.

2:03 God is not only the Sustainer of this world. God is not only the Sustainer of this world.

2:10 God is also the Judge of this universe, Judge of mankind. God is also the Judge of this universe, Judge of mankind.

2:16 It is a fact that God is the Creator of the world. It is a fact that God is the Creator of the world.

2:23 It is a fact that God is the Sustainer of the world. It is a fact that God is the Sustainer of the world.

2:29 But at the same time, it is also a fact that God is the Judge of the man, But at the same time, it is also a fact that God is the Judge of the man,

2:35 of the universe, Judge of mankind. of the universe, Judge of mankind.

2:41 According to Islamic creed, according to According to Islamic creed, according to

2:47 Islamic belief, the world was created not as a cosmic drama. Islamic belief, the world was created not as a cosmic drama.

2:54 It is not a cosmic drama. It is not a cosmic drama.

3:02 It has a purpose. A purpose. It has a purpose. A purpose.

3:09 And purpose means that—and purpose is very much related with the concept And purpose means that—and purpose is very much related with the concept

3:17 of accountability. of accountability.

3:21 You know, there are several phases of the history of the universe, of the history of mankind. You know, there are several phases of the history of the universe, of the history of mankind.

3:25 First is the creation. First is the creation.

3:30 God created cosmos. God created cosmos.

3:34 God created universe. God created universe.

3:38 God created the present world. God created the present world.

3:42 Then God cre Then God cre

3:47 ated man and settled him on this earth. ated man and settled him on this earth.

3:53 So creation was the first phase. So creation was the first phase.

3:59 Creation was the first phase. Creation was the first phase.

4:05 Then the second phase is that the present world—that is our planet Earth—was created by God. Then the second phase is that the present world—that is our planet Earth—was created by God.

4:11 It is a very unique type It is a very unique type

4:17 of planet. of planet.

4:24 In the whole—in the vast universe—there is no other planet like our earth. In the whole—in the vast universe—there is no other planet like our earth.

4:32 Our earth has a support system, a life support system. Our earth has a support system, a life support system.

4:39 This kind of planet is not—this kind of planet This kind of planet is not—this kind of planet

4:47 is only one in the whole universe. is only one in the whole universe.

4:55 So God settled man on this planet. So God settled man on this planet.

5:02 This was not without purpose. This was not without purpose.

5:10 The purpose was that the present phase is the phase of preparation. Man is The purpose was that the present phase is the phase of preparation. Man is

5:17 given freedom. given freedom.

5:23 Then man is blessed with freedom. Then man is blessed with freedom.

5:30 Now we are here on this planet to prepare ourselves. Now we are here on this planet to prepare ourselves.

5:36 Now what is preparation? Now what is preparation?

5:42 We have freedom. We have freedom.

5:48 So there are two options for us: either to misuse our freedom or to use it properly. So there are two options for us: either to misuse our freedom or to use it properly.

5:58 So those who misuse their freedom, they failed in the test. So those who misuse their freedom, they failed in the test.

6:08 And those who use this And those who use this

6:18 freedom properly, they stood in the test. freedom properly, they stood in the test.

6:24 Then there is an end. Then there is an end.

6:30 The present world is not eternal. The present world is not eternal.

6:36 Ancient philosophers were believing that our world is an eternal world. Ancient philosophers were believing that our world is an eternal world.

6:42 Ancient philosophers were Ancient philosophers were

6:48 believing that our world is an eternal world. believing that our world is an eternal world.

6:54 But the Big Bang theory has proved that there is a beginning of this world. But the Big Bang theory has proved that there is a beginning of this world.

7:01 It is not eternal. It is not eternal.

7:07 Our world is not from eternity. Our world is not from eternity.

7:13 It has a specific beginning, perhaps thirteen billions ago, It has a specific beginning, perhaps thirteen billions ago,

7:19 when the present world was born. when the present world was born.

7:25 So our world has a beginning. So our world has a beginning.

7:31 Then it has an end. Then it has an end.

7:37 You know, Newton was the father of the modern science. You know, Newton was the father of the modern science.

7:43 He has calculated—after a long He has calculated—after a long

7:49 calculation, he declared that the present universe has an end. calculation, he declared that the present universe has an end.

8:05 And according to his calculation, this end was predetermined, and it was 2060. And according to his calculation, this end was predetermined, and it was 2060.

8:21 This was Newton's prediction according to his calculations. This was Newton's prediction according to his calculations.

8:29 And the present global warming has only confirmed this calculation. And the present global warming has only confirmed this calculation.

8:37 It is very strange that Newton was born before three hundred years ago, but he was able to It is very strange that Newton was born before three hundred years ago, but he was able to

8:45 reach a very reach a very

8:53 correct calculation. correct calculation.

9:01 According to his calculation, our world has an end. According to his calculation, our world has an end.

9:09 And this end is coming in 2060. And this end is coming in 2060.

9:17 And the present global warming And the present global warming

9:25 is telling us the same story. is telling us the same story.

9:31 So this world has an end. So this world has an end.

9:37 But end means beginning of a new era. But end means beginning of a new era.

9:43 That is the world hereafter, doomsday. That is the world hereafter, doomsday.

9:50 So according to Islamic belief, God created m So according to Islamic belief, God created m

9:56 an. an.

10:01 He settled man on this planet Earth. He settled man on this planet Earth.

10:06 He gave him time to prepare himself. He gave him time to prepare himself.

10:11 Then on the day of—then there is an end to this world. Then on the day of—then there is an end to this world.

10:16 And then there is doomsday. And then there is doomsday.

10:22 At that time, all the At that time, all the

10:27 men and women, all the people of the history will be assembled in a field before God. men and women, all the people of the history will be assembled in a field before God.

10:43 So at that crucial day, God will decide the fate of every human being, every man and woman. So at that crucial day, God will decide the fate of every human being, every man and woman.

10:58 There is a hadith: "It means that reckon yourself before to be reckoned by God." Reckon yourself before There is a hadith: "It means that reckon yourself before to be reckoned by God." Reckon yourself before

11:13 you are re you are re

11:28 ckoned by god. ckoned by God.

11:37 and prepare yourself for the presentation before god. And prepare yourself for the presentation before God.

11:45 so that is the concept of accountability. So that is the concept of accountability.

11:54 man is free, but his freedom is not Man is free, but his freedom is not

12:03 given to him as aright. given to him as aright.

12:13 every freedom accompanies a responsibility. Every freedom accompanies a responsibility.

12:23 then you see that in this world, we have so many blessings: life support syst Then you see that in this world, we have so many blessings: life support syst

12:33 em, sunlight, and supply of oxygen, water, food—all kinds of necessities are here in abundance. em, sunlight, and supply of oxygen, water, food—all kinds of necessities are here in abundance.

12:43 so this blessing is not simply a blessing. So this blessing is not simply a blessing.

12:53 every blessing—it is a law, it is a rule—that every blessing accompanies Every blessing—it is a law, it is a rule—that every blessing accompanies

13:04 with responsibility, with accountability. with responsibility, with accountability.

13:15 so accountability is an inherent concept. So accountability is an inherent concept.

13:27 if you study man, if you read man, you will find that every human being has the If you study man, if you read man, you will find that every human being has the

13:38 conscience. conscience.

13:42 every human being is born with a conscience. Every human being is born with a conscience.

13:47 what is conscience? What is conscience?

13:51 conscience means a sense of justice. Conscience means a sense of justice.

13:55 every man and woman are born with conscience. Every man and woman are born with conscience.

14:00 and conscience is a sense of justice. And conscience is a sense of justice.

14:04 everyone by birth wants that Everyone by birth wants that

14:09 —everyone by birth wants to see justice everywhere. Justice. Everyone wants by birth that wicked must be punished and good people must be rewarded. They are the voice of our conscience. They are the voice of o —everyone by birth wants to see justice everywhere. Justice. Everyone wants by birth that wicked must be punished and good people must be rewarded. They are the voice of our conscience. They are the voice of o

14:39 ur nature. ur nature.

14:46 then we are living in a world where we enjoy so many blessings from god. Then we are living in a world where we enjoy so many blessings from God.

14:54 so blessing always—so every blessing accompanies with responsibility. So blessing always—so every blessing accompanies with responsibility.

15:01 so all these blessings So all these blessings

15:09 we enjoy every day, every morning and evening. we enjoy every day, every morning and evening.

15:19 That also is enough to prove that accountability is a must. That also is enough to prove that accountability is a must.

15:29 It is a part of creation that It is a part of creation that

15:40 someday man will be presented before God. someday man will be presented before God.

15:50 Then you know, just society cannot be established without the concept of accountability. Then you know, just society cannot be established without the concept of accountability.

16:00 When man enjoys freedom—so why would he control his freedom? When man enjoys freedom—so why would he control his freedom?

16:11 Why? Why?

16:16 So accountability tells him that you have to control your freedom because you are going to—because one day So accountability tells him that you have to control your freedom because you are going to—because one day

16:21 you will be presented before God. you will be presented before God.

16:26 And God has all power. And God has all power.

16:31 God is Almighty. God is Almighty.

16:36 God will punish you. God God will punish you. God

16:41 has the power to reward you, as well as God has the power to punish you. has the power to reward you, as well as God has the power to punish you.

16:49 So this concept—so only this concept can control man. So this concept—so only this concept can control man.

16:56 Only this concept can establish a just society. Only this concept can establish a just society.

17:04 Without this concept, the society will be a society of anarchy, a society of corruption, a society of c Without this concept, the society will be a society of anarchy, a society of corruption, a society of c

17:11 rimes. rimes.

17:22 It is this belief that checks you, that establishes a check-and-balance system, that controls you. It is this belief that checks you, that establishes a check-and-balance system, that controls you.

17:33 So accountability inculcates a spirit of self-control in every human being. So accountability inculcates a spirit of self-control in every human being.

17:45 The concept of accountability—the concept of accountability tells us that there is a powerful God upon us. The concept of accountability—the concept of accountability tells us that there is a powerful God upon us.

17:52 He will punish us. He will punish us.

18:00 We cannot escape from God. We cannot escape from God.

18:07 Then He knows o Then He knows o

18:15 ur secret and our—what we are doing in secret and what we are doing in public. Both are in the eyes of God. God knows every action, everything. In the eyes of God, there is no difference between secret and open. So this belief is a ur secret and our—what we are doing in secret and what we are doing in public. Both are in the eyes of God. God knows every action, everything. In the eyes of God, there is no difference between secret and open. So this belief is a

18:45 check. check.

18:57 Without this belief, society will turn to a society of anarchy, a society of corruption, a society of crimes. Without this belief, society will turn to a society of anarchy, a society of corruption, a society of crimes.

19:10 So the concept of accountability—so the concept of accountability is the only guarantee towards a just society. So the concept of accountability—so the concept of accountability is the only guarantee towards a just society.

19:23 When the Prophet was in Madinah, two persons came to him. When the Prophet was in Madinah, two persons came to him.

19:31 There was a dispute between the two—between these persons. There was a dispute between the two—between these persons.

19:39 This dispute was about a land, about a piece of land. This dispute was about a land, about a piece of land.

19:46 So both were claiming that it is my land. So both were claiming that it is my land.

19:54 And at that time, there was no paper, no legal proof. And at that time, there was no paper, no legal proof.

20:05 So both have only claimed but without proof. So both have only claimed but without proof.

20:15 So the Prophet said that, "Although I am a Prophet, but if I So the Prophet said that, "Although I am a Prophet, but if I

20:26 give my judgment and that judgment is not correct—for example, if the land—if the owner of the land is Mr. give my judgment and that judgment is not correct—for example, if the land—if the owner of the land is Mr.

20:36 A and I am giving the land wrongly to Mr. A and I am giving the land wrongly to Mr.

20:46 B—although I am a Prophet, but my judgment, if it is not correct, will be in B—although I am a Prophet, but my judgment, if it is not correct, will be in

20:56 valid before God. valid before God.

21:06 God will punish that person who is the usurper, who occupied the land without having aright." So both God will punish that person who is the usurper, who occupied the land without having aright." So both

21:16 the persons cried and said, the persons cried and said,

21:26 "Hakki reakhi, hakki reakhi. "Hakki reakhi, hakki reakhi.

21:34 If the land was mine, I am giving it to my brother. If the land was mine, I am giving it to my brother.

21:41 If I was the owner of this land, I am giving this land to my brother only to If I was the owner of this land, I am giving this land to my brother only to

21:49 save myself from God's punishment." So this save myself from God's punishment." So this

21:56 is the sense of accountability. The concept of accountability makes you responsible, makes you just. It defraids you from all kinds of injustice. Without the con is the sense of accountability. The concept of accountability makes you responsible, makes you just. It defraids you from all kinds of injustice. Without the con

22:26 cept of accountability, the world is a world of economy, the world is a world of anarchy, a cept of accountability, the world is a world of economy, the world is a world of anarchy, a

22:34 world of injustice, a world of corruption. world of injustice, a world of corruption.

22:41 So this is the importance of accountability. So this is the importance of accountability.

22:49 If you read the Quran, you will find that there are If you read the Quran, you will find that there are

22:57 hundreds and hundreds of verses that deal with this concept. hundreds and hundreds of verses that deal with this concept.

23:07 As I have said earlier, the very first chapter of the Quran is giving this concept, this "Maalik-e As I have said earlier, the very first chapter of the Quran is giving this concept, this "Maalik-e

23:18 Yawmid-Din." It means that Allah is the Lord of the Day of Judgment Yawmid-Din." It means that Allah is the Lord of the Day of Judgment

23:28 .

23:33 Allah is the Lord of the Day of Judgment. Allah is the Lord of the Day of Judgment.

23:37 So this is the concept of accountability. So this is the concept of accountability.

23:41 Allah has all power. Allah has all power.

23:45 Allah is all-powerful. Allah is all-powerful.

23:50 And He will be the Lord of the Day of Judgment. And He will be the Lord of the Day of Judgment.

23:54 He will punish those people who mis He will punish those people who mis

23:58 use their freedom. use their freedom.

24:06 And He will give reward to those who prove to be just and who do good deeds. And He will give reward to those who prove to be just and who do good deeds.

24:13 So this is the concept of accountability. So this is the concept of accountability.

24:21 In every—almost in every page, In every—almost in every page,

24:29 if you read the Quran, in almost in every page, you can find this concept, either directly or indirectly. if you read the Quran, in almost in every page, you can find this concept, either directly or indirectly.

24:39 Either directly or indirectly. Either directly or indirectly.

24:49 So accountability is an So accountability is an

24:59 essential part of Islamic religion. essential part of Islamic religion.

25:09 A man came to the Prophet of Islam and accepted his religion. A man came to the Prophet of Islam and accepted his religion.

25:19 Then the Prophet said, "You would stay—you must stay with Ali, Then the Prophet said, "You would stay—you must stay with Ali,

25:29 Ali ibn Abi Talib, and for training. Stay for a while with Ali for training, for further education." So after some days, the Prophet saw that that man was not seen in the Mas Ali ibn Abi Talib, and for training. Stay for a while with Ali for training, for further education." So after some days, the Prophet saw that that man was not seen in the Mas

25:59 jid. jid.

26:06 He was not present in the Masjid. He was not present in the Masjid.

26:12 So the Prophet inquired, "What happened with this man? So the Prophet inquired, "What happened with this man?

26:18 Why is he not here?" So Ali said that, "I myself don't know. Why is he not here?" So Ali said that, "I myself don't know.

26:25 I don't know." So the Prophet said that I don't know." So the Prophet said that

26:31 , "Anyone who sees him, tell him that I want to meet him." So after some days, he , "Anyone who sees him, tell him that I want to meet him." So after some days, he

26:42 returned and met the Prophet of Islam. returned and met the Prophet of Islam.

26:52 So the Prophet asked him, "Why did you leave Ali?" He said that, So the Prophet asked him, "Why did you leave Ali?" He said that,

27:03 "You said that I have to learn the religion of Islam. So I learned, so I left Ali." So the Prophet said, "How did you learn?" He said that there is a verse in the—there is a chapter in the Quran, Az-Zilzal. This is chapter number 99. So in this chapter, there was a vers "You said that I have to learn the religion of Islam. So I learned, so I left Ali." So the Prophet said, "How did you learn?" He said that there is a verse in the—there is a chapter in the Quran, Az-Zilzal. This is chapter number 99. So in this chapter, there was a vers

27:33 e, "Everyone who has done an iota of good, he will see it e, "Everyone who has done an iota of good, he will see it

28:03 ." This verse deals with the Day of Judgment. ." This verse deals with the Day of Judgment.

28:14 So the verse says that everyone who has done an iota of good, he will see it. So the verse says that everyone who has done an iota of good, he will see it.

28:24 And everyone who has done an iota of evil, he will see it And everyone who has done an iota of evil, he will see it

28:34 .

28:39 So he said that this is the whole religion. So he said that this is the whole religion.

28:44 This verse tells me that there is a Day of Judgment. This verse tells me that there is a Day of Judgment.

28:49 At the time, I will be judged by God. At the time, I will be judged by God.

28:55 So this verse inculcated in myself a sense of accountability. So this verse inculcated in myself a sense of accountability.

29:00 So every time I remember this verse, So every time I remember this verse,

29:05 so I always try to do good deeds and defraid myself from bad deeds. so I always try to do good deeds and defraid myself from bad deeds.

29:15 So according to this person, the sense of accountability was the crux of the Islam, the gist of the Islam. So according to this person, the sense of accountability was the crux of the Islam, the gist of the Islam.

29:25 So accountability is a check for everyone So accountability is a check for everyon

29:35 . e.

29:41 It is a self-controlled system. It is a self-controlled system.

29:47 It makes you live with self-discipline because if you fail, if you fail to follow the discipline of It makes you live with self-discipline because if you fail, if you fail to follow the discipline of

29:53 Islam, you will be punished. Islam, you will be punished.

29:59 If you fail to follow the teachings of Divine religion If you fail to follow the teachings of Divine relig

30:06 , you will be punished. ion, you will be punished.

30:12 So this is the concept of accountability. So this is the concept of accountability.

30:18 And it is the only concept that can check a human being is this concept. And it is the only concept that can check a human being is this concept.

30:24 There is no other concept. There is no other concept.

30:30 No law, no moral preaching, no No law, no moral preaching, no

30:36 philosophy can check a human being. philosophy can check a human being.

30:42 It is a fact. It is a fact.

30:49 The whole history is a witness. The whole history is a witness.

30:55 The whole history is a witness. The whole history is a witness.

31:02 The whole history is a witness that no philosophy can check a man. No moral The whole history is a witness that no philosophy can check a man. No moral

31:08 sermon, no moral can check a man. sermon, no moral can check a man.

31:16 No law can check a man. No law can check a man.

31:23 Only the concept of accountability, the concept of accountability is the only way to check a man. Only the concept of accountability, the concept of accountability is the only way to check a man.

31:31 The concept of accountability inculcates a sense of responsibil The concept of accountability inculcates a sense of responsibil

31:39 ity in your heart, in your mind. ity in your heart, in your mind.

31:49 The sense of accountability makes you a self-guardian, a self-controller. The sense of accountability makes you a self-guardian, a self-controller.

31:59 Otherwise, it is impossible to check a human being. All Otherwise, it is impossible to check a human being. All

32:09 philosophies failed. philosophies failed.

32:15 All moral teachings failed. All moral teachings failed.

32:22 All laws failed to establish a just society. All laws failed to establish a just society.

32:28 But when the Prophet—you see the history of the Prophet—the Prophet inculcated this spirit in every man and woman. But when the Prophet—you see the history of the Prophet—the Prophet inculcated this spirit in every man and woman.

32:34 And then there was a revolution. And then there was a revolution.

32:41 There was a revolution. There was a revolution.

32:48 For example, at that time, Arabs were habitual to take wine. For example, at that time, Arabs were habitual to take wine.

32:56 They were using wine as water. They were using wine as water.

33:03 Then the Prophet said, after train Then the Prophet said, after train

33:11 ing, after educating, that God has said that wine is unlawful. ing, after educating, that God has said that wine is unlawful.

33:22 You will be punished if you don't abandon wine. You will be punished if you don't abandon wine.

33:34 Then suddenly, all the people in Mecca and Madinah Then suddenly, all the people in Mecca and Madinah

33:45 abandoned wine. Why? abandoned wine. Why?

33:53 There was no law, no police, no army. There was no law, no police, no army.

34:01 Only their inner spirit, the spirit of accountability. Only their inner spirit, the spirit of accountability.

34:08 When the Prophet made them believe that there is a Day of Judgment and you will be punished When the Prophet made them believe that there is a Day of Judgment and you will be punished

34:16 by God, so this was so strong—this spirit was so strong—that they couldn't afford to take wine again. by God, so this was so strong—this spirit was so strong—that they couldn't afford to take wine again.

34:26 This is the sense of accountability. This is the sense of accountability.

34:36 So it is an experience of history that simply So it is an experience of history that simply

34:46 law or moral sermons or philosophy cannot check a human being. law or moral sermons or philosophy cannot check a human being.

34:54 It requires the sense of accountability. It requires the sense of accountability.

35:01 It requires a greater power, greater than the man. It requires a greater power, greater than the man.

35:09 So God is the greater—God is the So God is the greater—God is the

35:17 greater than all human beings. So accountability means there is a God who is greater than you, who has all power, who is all-powerful. He can punish you. And if you obey His commandments, then He will g greater than all human beings. So accountability means there is a God who is greater than you, who has all power, who is all-powerful. He can punish you. And if you obey His commandments, then He will g

35:47 ive you reward. ive you reward.

35:53 There is Paradise. There is Paradise.

35:59 If you follow the commandments of God, He will give you reward. If you follow the commandments of God, He will give you reward.

36:05 That is Paradise. That is Paradise.

36:11 And if you fail to follow His commandments, then He will punish you And if you fail to follow His commandments, then He will punish you

36:18 and He will throw you in the hell. and He will throw you in the hell.

36:25 So this concept is called accountability. So this concept is called accountability.

36:33 It is this concept that can check a man as an individual and as a society, both. It is this concept that can check a man as an individual and as a society, both.

36:40 If you want to make reform in an If you want to make reform in an

36:48 individual, you have to inculcate in him the spirit of accountability. individual, you have to inculcate in him the spirit of accountability.

36:56 And if you want to bring about reform in a society, then you have to educate that society And if you want to bring about reform in a society, then you have to educate that society

37:04 in this sense. in this sense.

37:12 Without this sense of accountability, there is no reform at all. Without this sense of accountability, there is no reform at all.

37:21 So accountability is the most important part of Islamic teachings. So accountability is the most important part of Islamic teachings.

37:28 Then accountability is not a negative concept of life. Then accountability is not a negative concept of life.

37:36 Accountability is not a negative concept of life. Accountability is not a negative concept of life.

37:44 It is a positive concept of life. It is a positive concept of life.

37:51 It means that people will be sorted out. It means that people will be sorted out.

37:57 At present, we see that wicked people and nice people both are mixed. At present, we see that wicked people and nice people both are mixed.

38:03 Wicked people and good people both are mixed. Wicked people and good people both are mixed.

38:09 And no political power can differentiate between the truth. And no political power can differentiate between the truth.

38:15 No political power can No political power can

38:22 punish these people. punish these people.

38:28 It is beyond the capacity of the political power or judicial power or legal power. It is beyond the capacity of the political power or judicial power or legal power.

38:35 It requires a God. It requires a God.

38:41 It requires a God Almighty. It requires a God Almighty.

38:48 No institution, no legal system, no judiciary, no political power are so strong to punish people No institution, no legal system, no judiciary, no political power are so strong to punish people

38:54 .

39:02 So the concept of accountability is a positive concept because this concept tells us that some day will So the concept of accountability is a positive concept because this concept tells us that some day will

39:10 come when people will be differentiated by God. come when people will be differentiated by God.

39:17 Wicked people will go to hell Wicked people will go to hell

39:25 and good people will go to Paradise. and good people will go to Paradise.

39:33 So the concept of accountability is a just concept. So the concept of accountability is a just concept.

39:41 It includes justice. It includes justice.

39:49 It is a hundred percent—it is a positive concep It is a hundred percent—it is a positive concep

39:57 t. t.

40:04 Without accountability, the present world is a meaningless world. Without accountability, the present world is a meaningless world.

40:10 It seems to be a meaningless world. It seems to be a meaningless world.

40:17 Without the concept of accountability, the present world seems to be a meaningless world because we see throughout Without the concept of accountability, the present world seems to be a meaningless world because we see throughout

40:23 the history that our systems, our organizations, the history that our systems, our organizations,

40:30 are helpless to establish justice. are helpless to establish justice.

40:38 It is a lesson of history. It is a lesson of history.

40:46 Throughout the history, we see that no power was able to establish justice. Throughout the history, we see that no power was able to establish justice.

40:54 No legal system, no judiciary, No legal system, no judiciary,

41:02 no political system, no moral preaching were able to establish a just society. no political system, no moral preaching were able to establish a just society.

41:12 But the concept of accountability is the only concept that can establish a just society. But the concept of accountability is the only concept that can establish a just society.

41:22 And only by this concept, we can believe And only by this concept, we can believe

41:32 that only by the concept of accountability and the Day of Judgment, we can believe with certainty that that only by the concept of accountability and the Day of Judgment, we can believe with certainty that

41:48 our world is a world of meaning, is a highly meaningful world because the day will come when God our world is a world of meaning, is a highly meaningful world because the day will come when God

42:03 will differentiate. will differentiate.

42:14 The day will come when wicked people will be punished and good people will be rewarded. The day will come when wicked people will be punished and good people will be rewarded.

42:24 Without this concept, the whole world seems to be a meaningless world, a purposeless world Without this concept, the whole world seems to be a meaningless world, a purposeless world

42:35 , just like a jungle. , just like a jungle.

42:41 Just like a jungle. Just like a jungle.

42:47 So the concept of accountability is a very, very important concept. So the concept of accountability is a very, very important concept.

42:54 A very, very important concept. A very, very important concept.

43:00 If you want to build a If you want to build a

43:06 constructive mind, if you want to build a constructive person, we have to inculcate this spirit in every individual. constructive mind, if you want to build a constructive person, we have to inculcate this spirit in every individual.

43:22 And if you want to establish a society, a just society, then again we need to And if you want to establish a society, a just society, then again we need to

43:37 preach this concept among in the society. Only this concept can make a society a just society. So individual and society both can be preach this concept among in the society. Only this concept can make a society a just society. So individual and society both can be

44:07 controlled only through this concept. controlled only through this concept.

44:18 Without this concept, there is no power to control the individuals or society. Without this concept, there is no power to control the individuals or society.

44:30 And the history is enough to give us an ample example And the history is enough to give us an ample example

44:41 of this. of this.

44:56 There is a verse in the Qur'an: "Wal-waznu yaw marjinal haqq." "Wal-waznu yaw marjinal haqq." Measuring is on that day There is a verse in the Qur'an: "Wal-waznu yaw marjinal haqq." "Wal-waznu yaw marjinal haqq." Measuring is on that day

45:12 is a fact. is a fact.

45:22 It means that one day or the Day of Judgment, everyone must be measured just like a scale. It means that one day or the Day of Judgment, everyone must be measured just like a scale.

45:33 After measuring everyon After measuring everyon

45:43 e, everyone will be given either hell or Paradise. e, everyone will be given either hell or Paradise.

45:54 So this concept is very—this is the only motivating force. So this concept is very—this is the only motivating force.

46:05 This concept is the only incentive This concept is the only incentive

46:16 to make people just. Otherwise, there is no incentive, no motivation. Why one may follow truth or justice if there is no compulsion? Compulsion is necessary for a human being. So acco to make people just. Otherwise, there is no incentive, no motivation. Why one may follow truth or justice if there is no compulsion? Compulsion is necessary for a human being. So acco

46:46 untability creates a compulsion in favor of just behavior. untability creates a compulsion in favor of just behavior.

46:56 Accountability creates a compulsion in favor of just behavior. Accountability creates a compulsion in favor of just behavior.

47:06 So it is So it is

47:16 a compulsive teaching. a compulsive teaching.

47:27 Accountability adds an element of compulsion. Accountability adds an element of compulsion.

47:37 This concept compels you to do good and to refrain from evil. This concept compels you to do good and to refrain from evil.

47:47 It is a self-controlled system. It is a self-controlled system.

47:58 Everyone who discovers that there is a doomsday, there is a Day of Judgment, this man is accountable Everyone who discovers that there is a doomsday, there is a Day of Judgment, this man is accountable

48:08 to God, then this spirit works like a self-controlled system in every human be to God, then this spirit works like a self-controlled system in every human be

48:19 ing. ing.

48:30 So accountability is a must. So accountability is a must.

48:42 Without accountability, the human society will be like a jungle, like an animal world. Without accountability, the human society will be like a jungle, like an animal world.

48:53 In an Islamic society at the time of the Prophet, at the time of the Companion, what was the situation? If everyone was indulged in some bad practice, like abusing, like usurping, like exploitation, or telling a lie, so it was possible to warn him, to say to him, "O m In an Islamic society at the time of the Prophet, at the time of the Companion, what was the situation? If everyone was indulged in some bad practice, like abusing, like usurping, like exploitation, or telling a lie, so it was possible to warn him, to say to him, "O m

49:23 an, fear God. an, fear God.

49:28 You will be punished. You will be punished.

49:33 You are accountable to God. You are accountable to God.

49:38 You have to be present. You have to be present.

49:44 Someday you will be present before God." So fear. Someday you will be present before God." So fear.

49:49 So this was enough to check him when the Prophet established a society on this concep So this was enough to check him when the Prophet established a society on this concep

49:54 t. t.

50:02 So at that time, it was enough to check him, to control him, to make him under discipline. So at that time, it was enough to check him, to control him, to make him under discipline.

50:09 For example, once in Madinah, there was a Muslim. For example, once in Madinah, there was a Muslim.

50:17 His name was Abu Mas'ud Ansari. His name was Abu Mas'ud Ansari.

50:24 So one day, the Prophet saw that Abu Mas'ud was beating his servant. So one day, the Prophet saw that Abu Mas'ud was beating his servant.

50:32 He became angry and he started beating. He became angry and he started beating.

50:41 So the Prophet of Islam saw him, that he was beating his servant. So the Prophet of Islam saw him, that he was beating his servant.

50:49 The Prophet said, "Ya Abu Mas'ud, The Prophet said, "Ya Abu Mas'ud,

50:57 O Abu Mas'ud, you have to know that there is God Almighty upon you. O Abu Mas'ud, you have to know that there is God Almighty upon you.

51:05 And God is stronger than any other thing. And God is stronger than any other thing.

51:12 You think that you are Lord of your servant. You think that you are Lord of your servant.

51:20 But God is Lord of you But God is Lord of you

51:27 and your servant both. and your servant both.

51:33 You think that you are Lord of this servant. You think that you are Lord of this servant.

51:40 But you have to know that you and your servant and all mankind are under God. But you have to know that you and your servant and all mankind are under God.

51:46 And God is the Lord of all human beings. And God is the Lord of all human beings.

51:52 So you have to fear." So suddenly he started beating. So you have to fear." So suddenly he started beating.

51:58 Suddenly he started beating. Why? Suddenly he started beating. Why?

52:04 Because before this warning given by the Prophet, he was forgotten that, "I am accountable to God," although Because before this warning given by the Prophet, he was forgotten that, "I am accountable to God," although

52:10 he was a Muslim. he was a Muslim.

52:16 But under anger, he forgot. But under anger, he forgot.

52:22 When you are angry, you forg When you are angry, you forg

52:28 ot. ot.

52:34 You forget everything. You forget everything.

52:39 So when the Prophet reminded him, he became aware. So when the Prophet reminded him, he became aware.

52:44 He understood that, "I am under God and God is my Lord. He understood that, "I am under God and God is my Lord.

52:49 God will punish me. God will punish me.

52:54 God is all-powerful, so He God is all-powerful, so He

52:59 can punish me." So when he remembered this fact, he changed—his personality was changed completely. can punish me." So when he remembered this fact, he changed—his personality was changed completely.

53:07 And he started beating. And he started beating.

53:15 So this is the concept of accountability. So this is the concept of accountability.

53:23 This is the miracle of the concept of accountability. This is the miracle of the concept of accountability.

53:31 This is the miracle of the concept of accountability. This is the miracle of the concept of accountability.

53:41 There is a commentary of the Qur'an compiled by Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir. There is a commentary of the Qur'an compiled by Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir.

53:51 So in Chapter Al-Jarsiya, there is Chapter Al-Jarsiya in the Qur'an. So in Chapter Al-Jarsiya, there is Chapter Al-Jarsiya in the Qur'an.

54:01 In this chapter, there is a verse: "Wa khasar ahuna alikal mubtilun." It means that on the Day In this chapter, there is a verse: "Wa khasar ahuna alikal mubtilun." It means that on the Day

54:11 of Judgment, those people who are engaged in gossips, they will be in loss. of Judgment, those people who are engaged in gossips, they will be in loss.

54:22 So what happened So what happened

54:32 in Baghdad? in Baghdad?

54:37 In Baghdad, there was a scholar, Sufyan Sawri. In Baghdad, there was a scholar, Sufyan Sawri.

54:42 In Baghdad, there was a scholar, Sufyan Sawri. In Baghdad, there was a scholar, Sufyan Sawri.

54:47 So one day he saw—this scholar one day saw a man. So one day he saw—this scholar one day saw a man.

54:52 His name was Mu'afiri. His name was Mu'afiri.

54:57 He was engaged in goss He was engaged in goss

55:02 ips with some people. ips with some people.

55:08 There was a gathering and this person, this man, Mu'afiri, was there. There was a gathering and this person, this man, Mu'afiri, was there.

55:14 And he was engaged in gossips. And he was engaged in gossips.

55:21 So Abu Sufyan Sawri saw him. So Abu Sufyan Sawri saw him.

55:27 He said, "O man, He said, "O man,

55:33 you know there is a verse in the Qur'an, 'The day will come when you will be in loss.' Those who are engaged in gossips will be in loss on that day." So what happened? This person, Mu'afiri, stopp you know there is a verse in the Qur'an, 'The day will come when you will be in loss.' Those who are engaged in gossips will be in loss on that day." So what happened? This person, Mu'afiri, stopp

56:03 ed his speech and he returned back to his home. ed his speech and he returned back to his home.

56:14 And the tradition says that then he was changed completely. And the tradition says that then he was changed completely.

56:24 After this day, people never saw him in gossips, After this day, people never saw him in gossips,

56:35 hatta lahiqa billahi ta'ala, until his death. hatta lahiqa billahi ta'ala, until his death.

56:41 Hatta lahiqa billahi ta'ala, until his death. Hatta lahiqa billahi ta'ala, until his death.

56:47 So this was the miracle of the concept of accountability. So this was the miracle of the concept of accountability.

56:53 After reminding by Sufyan Sawri, his mind was awakened. After reminding by Sufyan Sawri, his mind was awakened.

56:59 His mind was awakened. His mind was awakened.

57:05 He remembered that, "I am not free. He remembered that, "I am not free.

57:11 I am under God Almighty." God Almighty says that, "Don't go to gossips. I am under God Almighty." God Almighty says that, "Don't go to gossips.

57:17 Otherwise, I will punish you. Otherwise, I will punish you.

57:23 Gossip is wasting your time. Gossip is wasting your time.

57:29 Why you are—God gave you Why you are—God gave you

57:35 a very precious thing, that is time. a very precious thing, that is time.

57:41 Time was a precious blessing given by God. Time was a precious blessing given by God.

57:48 And you are wasting it in gossips. And you are wasting it in gossips.

57:54 So I will punish you." So when he was reminded of this verse and when he was reminded So I will punish you." So when he was reminded of this verse and when he was reminded

58:00 of the concept of accountability, he was completely changed. of the concept of accountability, he was completely changed.

58:06 He stopped all those gossips. He stopped all those gossips.

58:12 So this is the miracle of accountability. So this is the miracle of accountability.

58:18 Accountability is a super formula. Accountability is a super formula.

58:24 Accountability is a super formula. Accountability is a super formula.

58:30 So always remember God, that alway So always remember God, that alway

58:36 s remember that you are accountable to God. This is the concept of accountability. Aqul qauliḥaḍa, wa astaghfirullahʿalayhi wa al-Qammaʿajma'īn. s remember that you are accountable to God. This is the concept of accountability. Aqul qauliḥaḍa, wa astaghfirullahʿalayhi wa al-Qammaʿajma'īn.

The Concept of Accountability in Islam (English) | June 21, 2007 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan