When I began my journey with the Quran, I quickly realized that it wasn’t simply about reciting its words or memorizing its verses. It became clear that every word, every harakah (vowel mark), was meant to have a profound impact on my heart. And as I reflect on this journey, I find myself asking:
How often do we evaluate the state of our hearts?
How often do we pause to consider how our hearts align with the message of the Quran?
Allah says in the Quran:
26:88
يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌۭ وَلَا بَنُونَ ٨٨
the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit.
26:89
إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍۢ سَلِيمٍۢ ٨٩
Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart ˹will be saved˺.”[1]
[1] A pure and sound heart is that of the believer, compared to that of the disbeliever and the hypocrite.
This verse reminds us that the condition of our hearts is central to our success in the Hereafter. The question then becomes: How do we maintain a heart that is “sound,” and what role does the Quran play in that process?
The Three States of the Heart
Islamic scholars, such as Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, have identified three primary states of the heart:
1. The Sound Heart (Al-Qalb As-Saleem)
This is the heart that is free from spiritual diseases such as arrogance, envy, or hatred. It is a heart that is fully submissive to Allah and is open to the guidance of the Quran. As Allah mentions:
“Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart ˹will be saved˺”(26:89).
A heart that is sound is alive and responsive, filled with light and certainty. It is constantly striving to connect with the words of Allah, reflecting upon His guidance, and seeking to implement His teachings.
2. The Dead Heart (Al-Qalb Al-Mayit)
This heart has become so distant from Allah and His guidance that it is as if it has died. It is indifferent to the Quran, and its actions are driven by desires rather than submission to Allah. Allah says:
2:7
خَتَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ ۖ وَعَلَىٰٓ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ غِشَـٰوَةٌۭ ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌۭ ٧
Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and their sight is covered. They will suffer a tremendous punishment.
This heart is blocked from receiving the guidance of the Quran, and its owner is heedless, unconcerned about their state.
3. The Sick Heart (Al-Qalb Al-Marid)
This heart wavers between faith and doubt, between submission and resistance. It is neither fully alive nor completely dead. This state can be dangerous if left unchecked, but it can also be healed through repentance and seeking Allah’s guidance. Allah says:
2:10
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضًۭا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْذِبُونَ ١٠
There is sickness in their hearts, and Allah ˹only˺ lets their sickness increase. They will suffer a painful punishment for their lies.
A sick heart is prone to falling into sin, but with effort and reflection, it can return to a state of health.
The Impact of Our Actions on the Heart
Everything we do—what we eat, drink, listen to, talk about, and even think—has a direct impact on the state of our hearts. The heart, in its spiritual essence, is deeply affected by our daily habits and choices.
The Foods We Eat and Drink
In Islam, we are commanded to consume halal (permissible) and tayyib (pure) foods. What we eat affects not just our physical health but also our spiritual state.
The purity of what enters our bodies affects the purity of our hearts. Consuming unhealthy or unlawful foods hardens the heart, making it more difficult to connect with the Quran and to receive Allah’s guidance.
Modern science also supports this notion. Research has shown that diets high in processed foods and sugars can lead to inflammation in the body and contribute to conditions such as heart disease. Similarly, studies have indicated that what we eat can affect our mood, cognition, and emotional well-being—areas that directly influence our spiritual states.
2. What We Listen To
The sounds we expose ourselves to can either purify or corrupt our hearts. When we listen to the Quran, the words of Allah penetrate our hearts, bringing peace and tranquility. Allah says:
13:28
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٢٨
those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
Conversely, when we fill our ears with harmful speech—be it music with inappropriate lyrics, backbiting, or gossip—our hearts become polluted. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against idle talk and backbiting, as they darken the heart and lead us away from Allah’s guidance.
Science has shown that the brain is highly influenced by the sounds and speech we expose ourselves to. Certain types of music can evoke negative emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety. Studies in psychology have also highlighted how listening to harmful or toxic conversations can affect our mental health, leading to increased stress and emotional instability.
3. What We Speak About
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent” (Bukhari).
Our words carry weight. When we engage in beneficial speech—words of encouragement, kindness, and truthfulness—we cultivate a heart that is sound and in tune with Allah’s guidance. However, if we engage in gossip, slander, or lies, our hearts become tainted. This constant exposure to negative speech creates barriers between us and the Quran.
4. Our Thoughts and Intentions
Islam teaches that the heart is not just affected by external factors but also by our internal states—our thoughts, intentions, and desires. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Indeed, Allah does not look at your outward appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and actions”(Muslim).
Our thoughts shape our reality. If our hearts are filled with negative thoughts, envy, pride, or ill intentions, it becomes difficult for the Quran to penetrate and transform us. But if our thoughts are focused on gratitude, humility, and seeking Allah’s pleasure, the heart becomes soft, open to divine guidance.
The Heart in Modern Science
Interestingly, modern science has begun to support the Islamic understanding of the heart's central role in our overall well-being. Studies show that the heart is not just a mechanical pump but a complex organ with its own neural network, sometimes referred to as the "heart brain." This system allows the heart to send signals to the brain, influencing emotions, decision-making, and even mental clarity.
Research conducted by institutions like the HeartMath Institute has found that when we experience positive emotions like gratitude and love, our heart rhythms become more harmonious, which in turn positively affects brain function. This connection between heart and mind mirrors the Islamic perspective, where a sound heart leads to a sound body and a clear connection to Allah.
Reflecting on the State of Our Hearts
Now, I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself:
Where does my heart stand today?
In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah asks us a profound question:
57:16
۞ أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌۭ مِّنْهُمْ فَـٰسِقُونَ ١٦
Has the time not yet come for believers’ hearts to be humbled at the remembrance of Allah and what has been revealed of the truth, and not be like those given the Scripture before—˹those˺ who were spoiled for so long that their hearts became hardened. And many of them are ˹still˺ rebellious.
This verse is a wake-up call, urging us to soften our hearts and reconnect with the Quran. It reminds us that no matter how distant we may feel, it’s never too late to return to Allah with humility and sincerity.
Practical Steps to Nurture Our Hearts Through the Quran
1. Renew Your Intention:
Before engaging with the Quran, purify your heart by reminding yourself why you’re reading it. Is it for guidance, healing, or seeking closeness to Allah? As Imam Al-Ghazali teaches, sincerity in intention is key to receiving the Quran’s full benefits.
2. Slow Down and Reflect:
Don’t rush through your recitation. Take time to ponder the meanings of the verses. Allah says:
47:24
أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ ٢٤
Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?
Unlocking the heart requires deep reflection, understanding, and personal connection with the Quran.
3. Make Dua for a Sound Heart: Constantly ask Allah to purify your heart and make it responsive to His words. In Surah Aal-Imran, Allah teaches us a beautiful dua:
3:8
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ ٨
˹They say,˺ “Our Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after you have guided us. Grant us Your mercy. You are indeed the Giver ˹of all bounties˺.
4. Evaluate Your Heart Regularly:
Develop the habit of self-reflection. Ask yourself:
How is my heart today?
Am I allowing the Quran to transform me?
Keeping this self-awareness will help you stay connected with Allah’s guidance.
The Heart and the Quran
Ultimately, the state of our hearts determines the quality of our relationship with the Quran. As we strive to purify our hearts, the Quran becomes a source of light, healing, and guidance.
So, I ask you again: When was the last time you truly evaluated the state of your heart?
Let us make a commitment to regularly reflect on the condition of our hearts and to turn to the Quran not just as a book to recite, but as a source.
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Much Love 💕
Nour Cauveren