The Salaf would think destruction was nigh as a result of coming short of an expected act of obedience to Allâh.

They would say: The hope about Allâh is that He should pardon us, and make us attain what we want to attain. What each of them used to think about was that Allâh would hold them to account in the smallest of matters, thinking that when they think so Allâh will lessen the severity of standing before Him for accountability on the Day of resurrection; for whoever does not bring himself to account here (in this world) would find himself standing for long accountability there (Hereafter).

Allâh the Great said:

“O you who believe fear Allâh and look for what you send forth for morrow” [al-Hashr: 18].

Umar (may Allâh be pleased with him) said:

‘Bring yourself to account before you are brought to account, and weigh your deeds before your deeds are weighed, and prepare for the Great Standing, that Day you shall present yourselves nothing will be hidden from you.’

Abdurrahman bn Hurmuz Al-A’raj (may Allâh bestow mercy on him) used to say:

‘Probe your souls in what dirt they are upon, for everyone would be raised tomorrow alongside his species, whoever falls into the other sins would see himself raised up with different people.’

[Perhaps his reference was to this verse of the Qur’ân:

“(It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship.” [Saffât: 22]

A Salaf said about the Verse:

‘Their companions are those who are like them.’]

And he (Al-A'raj), may Allâh be pleased with him, used to rebuke and undermine his soul severely; he would say to it:

‘Verily the caller is going to call on the Day of Resurrection: O People of such-and-such sin stand up, and you will stand up with them O A’raj (talking to himself); then he would call out: O people of such-and-such sin stand up and you will stand up with them O A’raj (still talking to himself) then he will still call out: O people of such-and-such sin stand up and you will stand up with them O A’raj; I see you O A’raj standing up with every group (of sinners).’