The Forgiveness Audit: Naming to Release

A Day 11 companion worksheet for Al-Ghafūr

To move from the Womb of Mercy into the Arc of Forgiveness, we need a practical way to sift through the things we have been carrying. As we discussed on Day 11, we cannot repair what we are still justifying.

This worksheet is designed to help you move through the Stages of Change by building the moral clarity needed to finally let go. This is not about self-shaming. This is about honesty with gentleness, so that forgiveness can become real release.

What this audit is, and what it is not

This audit is not a tool for self-attack. It is a clinical and spiritual inventory to help you identify where you are ready to receive the veil of Al-Ghafūr and begin a cleaner path forward.

Step 1: The Justification Log

We often keep hold of harmful habits or patterns because we have built a story to protect them.

The Audit: List one or two recurring behaviours or choices that leave you feeling heavy, disconnected, or spiritually dull.

Examples (use what fits you):

• Being critical “for their own good”

• Contempt, sarcasm, or harsh tone when stressed

• Avoiding responsibilities by distracting yourself with your phone

• Long gaming hours “to de-stress” while avoiding the real overwhelm underneath

• Procrastination, lateness, or last-minute scrambling

• Overeating, overspending, overworking, or doom-scrolling to numb discomfort

• Withdrawing, giving silent treatment, or shutting down during conflict

• People-pleasing, then resenting everyone quietly

• Saying “I am fine” when you are not fine

The Story: What excuse do you usually tell yourself to justify it?
Examples:

• “I am only critical because I want things to be right.”

• “I only avoid this because I am too stressed.”

• “I game to relax, it is not that deep.”

• “If I do not control things, everything will fall apart.”

• “That is just how I am.”

Write yours here. Keep it honest.

Step 2: Naming for Moral Clarity

Now strip away the story. Naming harm is not an attack. It is an act of truth.

The Truth Statement: Rewrite your choice without the justification. Plain. Clear. No excuses. No drama.

Examples:

• “I am choosing contempt when I feel frustrated with my partner.”

• “I am choosing a critical tone when I feel unheard.”

• “I am choosing to avoid my responsibilities by distracting myself with my phone.”

• “I am choosing long gaming hours to escape overwhelm instead of addressing it.”

• “I am choosing to withdraw instead of communicating.”

Write your truth statement here.

Step 3: Assessing the Weight

Using the Fortress of Safety we built in the first ten days, evaluate the impact of this choice.

Impact on Peace (As-Salām):
Does this choice create internal fracture rather than internal coherence?

Impact on Nearness (Al-Qarīb):
Does this choice make you feel distant from Allah, or numb your turning? e.t.c.

You are not judging yourself here. You are simply noticing the weight.

Step 4: The Readiness Check

Where are you in the Stages of Change regarding this specific issue?

• Contemplation: I am starting to see the harm, but I am not sure I am ready to stop.

• Preparation: I am ready to name it, and I am looking for a way to repair it.

• Action: I am ready to release this today, and ask Al-Ghafūr to cover it.

Circle one. Be honest. This is for you and Allah.

Closing Reflection

“Avoidance only delays growth. When we initiate repair, we reclaim our power.”

Choose one item from your audit. Then, in your heart, say:

“Yā Ghafūr, I name this choice. I stop justifying it. I ask You to veil it and protect me from its effects, so I may move forward in light.”

Amin.

Click here to download the PDF printable worksheet