Fifty Thousand Books of Account

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked about the deed on account of which most people will enter Paradise. He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Fear of Allah and good manners.” [Tirmidhi]

Adjust your accounts with everybody. Account will be taken of you on the Day of Resurrection, and of your dealings with each and every person you encountered in life.

A pious Muslim said: “I saw a merchant in a dream and asked him, ‘What treatment has Allah meted out to you?’ He replied, ‘Fifty thousand books of accounts have been opened before me.’ I asked, ‘Are all these records of sins.’ He replied, ‘You will find one record for each person you have dealt with in the world. All have been recorded in these books of accounts.’” [Ihya Ulum Id-Din]

Each person you come across in life equals one book of accountability. We don’t just have monetary transactions with people. Our books of account will have our conduct with people recorded in them, each word, each favour and each injury.

Think of how many people you’ve come across in life. Estimate how many books of accountability you already have. Try to keep the awareness of your mutual book in mind every time you are in the presence of another human being.