المعنى الاصطلاحي :

Scrutinizing the deeds of one's self, then dealing with it in a best and reforming way.

الشرح المختصر :

"Muhaasabat An-nafs" (self-reckoning) is one of the characteristics of the pious people and traits of those who worship Allah alone without associating partners with Him. Self-reckoning, or taking the self to account, means criticizing it, taking continuous care of it, and examining its relationship with its Lord as well as with others, in order to reform it if it is negligent or transgressing, and to keep it firm if it is steadfast and upright. So, if there is some deficiency, the person completes and perfects it, and if there is disobedience to Allah, he repents and seeks Allah's forgiveness, and if there is obedience to Allah, he praises Allah and thanks Him and keeps on observing it. Self-reckoning has two cases: 1- Before doing the deed: abstaining from doing something at the first instance of intending to do it, and not initiating to do it before he is sure whether it is better to do the action or leave it. 2- After doing the deed: this has three cases: a. to reckon oneself for failing to perform an act of obedience in the proper way. b. to reckon oneself for doing something that was better for him not to do. c. to reckon oneself for doing a permissible or habitual act, as to why he did it, and whether he did it for the sake of Allah and the Hereafter, so that he is a winner, or he did it for the sake of worldly gains, so he is a loser. Self-reckoning is an act of worship at any time, especially at the times of trials and temptations form the way of Allah as in our present time, because of the abundance of amusements and numerous means of lustful desires.