Qalb - The Heart
From the time of Adam to Resurrection, people cry, ‘The heart, the heart!’ I wish I could find someone to describe what the heart is or how it is, but I see none. People generally call the ‘heart’ (dil) that piece of flesh belonging to madmen, ascetics, and children without the heart (bedil)? What, then, is this heart? Of which I hear only the name? That is to say, if I call the spirit the heart, it is not the heart. All the evidence of the Truth subsists in the heart, yet only its name is to be found. (p.144)
In Islamic philosophy, the qalb (Arabic: قلب) or heart is the center of the human personality. The Quran mentions “qalb” 132 times, and its root meaning suggests that the heart is always in motion and transformation. This statement suggests that it is not something static but dynamic. It is the core of personality, more akin to the soul, which is immaterial and has no material existence. According to the Quran and the traditions of Muhammad (SAW), the heart plays a central role in human existence, serving as the source of good and evil, right and wrong. In Islam, God is more concerned with the motives of one’s heart than their actions. The heart is also a medium for God’s revelations to human beings and is associated with virtues such as knowledge, faith, purity, piety, love, and repentance. Without purification, however, the heart can become plagued with negative attributes such as sickness, sinfulness, evil, and hate.
Qalb. (2024, May 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qalb
Rothman, Abdallah; Coyle, Adrian (2018). Toward a Framework for Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy: An Islamic Model of the Soul. Journal of Religion and Health. 57.
The heart may also be considered a communication tool between humans and God. This interaction is multidimensional, encompassing both cognitive and moral dimensions. God pays special attention to the heart, as it is viewed as the true center of a person. Quranic verses highlight that God is more concerned with the motives of one’s heart than their actions. While mistakes can be forgiven, the intentions of the heart are critical. For example, in 33:5, the Quran states: “There is no fault in you if you make mistakes, but only in what your hearts premeditate.” 2:225 says: “God will not take you to task for a slip in your oaths, but He will take you to task for what your hearts have earned; and God is Forgiving, Clement” (cf. 2:118, 8:70).
Nasr, S.H.; Chittick, W.C. (2007). The Essential Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Library of Perennial Philosophy; The perennial philosophy series. World Wisdom.
The heart is the receiver of all messages from God; it plays a crucial role in fostering faith and directing guidance toward the right path. However, Satan may take charge of it and make it a breeding ground for doubt, denial, unbelief, and misguidance. Protection of the heart is necessary, and it can be sought by God’s mercy and appeal for guidance. The heart is associated with virtues such as purity, piety, love, and repentance, but these virtues are not inherent and must be cultivated by pursuing True Knowledge. Remembrance of God nourishes the heart; God seals the unguided hearts plagued with negative attributes such as arrogance, selfishness, sinfulness, evil, and hate. The Sufis advise adopting some out of several ways of self-mortification and enhancing cognizance of the Divine Order – Al-Haqq.
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