Fajr Thoughts: Nearness to Him Part 5
No need keeping all the tabs open, My Lord is al-Haseeb.
In the name of Allah, the entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا۟ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَآ أَوْ رُدُّوهَآ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَسِيبً
"And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in like manner]. Indeed, Allah is Ever Taking Account of all things." [Qur’an 4:86]
We count things, even when we don’t mean to; who checked in on us and who didn’t, who remembered our kindness and who forgot, who gave more and who gave less.
It is subtle, the way we keep track.
Like a parent will say to theor child who asks to go to their friend's house, “you are always the one going to your friend's house, is it that YOU don't have a house? Why are they not coming to your own house?” Then the “you too pray in your own house”
Sometimes we don't even realize we are doing it. But we feel it, the weight of unreturned favours, the sting of unanswered greetings, the quiet resentment of things left unacknowledged. Our hearts carry silent ledgers, waiting for things to balance.
Then, there is al-Haseeb.
We are not the record-keepers. He is.
The words spoken and the words swallowed, the gestures made and the ones withheld…
He knows.
He counts not with pettiness, but with perfect justice and wisdom. Not to hold things against us, but to remind us that everything, even the smallest courtesy, a greeting, is seen, recorded, and weighed.
And so, when I greet, when I give, when I show up, I do it with ihsan. I respond with something better. I am generous with my presence, my kindness, my words.
Not because people deserve it, but because Allah is the One keeping account.
I need to acknowledge that nothing goes unnoticed by Allah. Not even the greeting.
What if I gave without needing anything in return or, forgave without needing an apology?
What if I let go of keeping score and instead, trusted in Al-Hasib?
How do I remember that my Lord is al-Haseeb when I feel shortchanged, overlooked, or wronged?
When I am doing that bad that I don't want to be caught by anyone doing because I feel so ashamed of it, how do I remember that Allah is al-Haseeb?
The One who truly counts is watching, and in His records, nothing is ever lost.
Ya Rabb! Help me remember this.
Ya Hasib, You are the One who keeps a perfect account. Help me release the burden of keeping score and trust in Your justice. Make me of those who give freely, who respond with excellence, and who receive their record in their right hand. Ameen."
If you would like to reflect on least one ayah daily this blessed month, then go ahead and get your copy of Fajr Thoughts. It contains a summary of each juz, an ayah or passage from each juz, some notes from tafasir and then some questions to get you started on your reflections.