11/04/2026
The Centrality of the Heart
The Divine Gaze:
Allah does not judge people by their outward appearance or wealth, but by what is in their hearts and their subsequent deeds.
Seat of Intention:
All actions in Islam are judged by the intentions behind them, which are rooted in the heart.
Source of Tranquility:
The Quran emphasises that hearts find true peace and satisfaction only through the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).
Relationship with Allah
Turner of Hearts:
A common supplication is "O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion," acknowledging that guidance and steadfastness are in Allah's hands.
Vessel of Faith:
The heart is described as a vessel that can be filled with either faith or worldly distractions; a "sound heart" (Qalb-e-Salim) is the only thing of benefit on the Day of Judgment.
Healer of Scars:
Allah is seen as the one who can heal emotional trauma and "bind" a heart that is grieving or broken, just as He did for the mother of Prophet Musa.
Spiritual States of the Heart
The Quran and Sunnah describe several states the heart can experience:
Sound/Pure Heart: Free from shirk (polytheism), malice, and arrogance.
Hardened Heart:
A state where a person becomes indifferent to advice or divine reminders, often due to persistent sin or neglecting the remembrance of Allah.
Diseased Heart:
Afflicted by spiritual ailments like envy, hypocrisy, or doubt.
Sealed Heart:
A state where, after repeated rejection of truth, a person is no longer able to perceive guidance.
