Is silent meditation after the 'Isha prayer, which involves focusing on breathing and reflecting on sins, good deeds, and the future for the sake of Allah's pleasure, considered an innovation (bid'ah) and a violation of the Quran and Sunnah, taking into account 'Umar ibn al-Khattab's saying, "Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable"? And how can one meditate on life in a way that does not violate Islamic law?

Contemplation of God's universal and legislative signs is a great act of worship, and the Quran has encouraged it in many verses, including contemplation of the creation of the heavens, the earth, and the self. Also among contemplation is pondering the verses of the Quran and examining what one has put forth in terms of deeds, which is known as self-accountability. There is an narration regarding this from Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): "Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable." This accountability is required before, during, and after an action. Accountability means examining the capital, which are the obligatory duties (fara'id); the profit, which are the supererogatory acts (nawafil); and the loss, which are the sins (ma'asi). This contemplation, reflection, and self-accountability are commendable and required, not innovations. The important thing is that it leads to an increase in obedience and excellence in deeds, not despair. This does not necessitate special rituals or specific times; rather, it is available whenever the servant is able to be in solitude with his Lord.