Heart

The Quran describes the heart (qalb) as the “seat of the soul” or “self” and the center of human essence, where feelings, thoughts, and consciousness reside, rather than a physical organ. This spiritual heart is where good and evil originate, and it is what God looks at to determine sincerity and truthfulness. Therefore, purifying and nurturing this heart is crucial for a believer’s journey toward God.

The Quranic understanding of the heart:

Seat of the soul/self:

The heart is considered the core of human existence, where all thoughts, longings, fears, and hopes gather.

Source of morality:

The heart is seen as the origin of both good and evil, and right and wrong.

Focus of divine attention:

According to Islamic tradition, God prioritizes the state of one’s heart over outward actions, looking for sincerity, truthfulness, and honesty.

Spiritual center:

The heart is where faith, hypocrisy, and spiritual understanding are located.

Responds to revelation:

The Quran targets the heart, and reading it is believed to bring peace and clarity to those experiencing distress.

Why the emphasis on the heart?

Spiritual purification:

The Quran provides guidance on purifying the heart through prayer, remembrance of God, and contemplation of the Quran itself.

Connection to God:

A pure heart is free from negative traits like envy, hate, and greed, allowing for a greater connection with Allah.

Accountability:

A person’s heart is the ultimate determinant of their fate in the afterlife, making its purity essential for Paradise.