(23) Towards Salvation of the heart. Part (2)
There are three types of hearts:
1- The Believer’s heart.
2- The Disbeliever’s heart.
3- The Hypocrite’s heart.
There are two elements to discuss in this regard:
A- The pure heart through the impure heart.
B- Relation between the heart’s purity and faith
The level of people’s beliefs differ from one another and also their hearts vary.
Allah (SWT) said: “Then We gave the Book (the Qur’ân) for inheritance to such of Our slaves whom We chose (the followers of Muhammad PBUH). Then of them are some who wrong their own selves, and of them are some who follow a middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allâh’s Leave, foremost in good deeds. That (inheritance of the Qur’ân) – that is indeed a great grace.” (Fatir 32)
- The pure heart through the impure heart.
Allah (SWT) said: “And, verily, among those who followed his (Nuh’s) way (Tawhid) was Ibrâhim. When he came to his Lord with a pure heart.” (As-Saffat, 83-84)
The pure heart is the one protected from polytheism, fraud, doubt, hate, envy, and revulsion. The Prophet (PBUH) was asked, “Who are the best people?” He answered, “Those whom have truthful tongues and noble hearts.” The meaning of noble heart is a pure and pious heart that does not carry hate or hard feelings.
This means that, The true faith that Allah (SWT) established in His slaves’ hearts is that which tells the truth, avoids lies, and supports Islam.
Ibn Ma’sud said: “Allah (SWT) searched His slaves’ hearts and He found the Prophet (PBUH) has the noblest heart. Next, Allah (SWT) found the Prophet’s companions with high levels of nobility.”
In a famous story about Sa’ad Ibn Malik (in the Mosque), the Prophet (PBUH) said: “A man will enter now and he is already awarded heaven, because he goes to sleep without carrying hate for any other Muslim brother.”
B- Relation between the heart’s purity and faith
The true pure heart is in a position of true faith to Allah (SWT). The scholar said: “The Islamic faith is the light that penetrates through the heart by order of Allah (SWT) from His love of the Muslims.” Allah (SWT) said: “The Bedouins say: ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You believe not but you only say, ‘We have surrendered (in Islâm)’.” (Al-Hujurat, 14)
The Bedouins’ faith was by tongue and did not taste the sweetness of faith. Allah (SWT) criticized them that they must say we are Muslims but not believers. The fact is they did not attain a high level of Islamic faith.
Allah (SWT) said: “Indeed, Allâh was pleased with the believers when they gave their Bai’â (pledge) to you (O Muhammad PBUH) under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakina (calmness and tranquility) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory”. (Al-Fath, 18)
When Allah (SWT) examines the companion’s hearts, He found true Islamic faith and dedication to Islam. Allah (SWT) rewarded them with peace, love, victory over their souls, and control over their hearts.
When Allah (SWT) created the earth, it was in motion. Allah (SWT) formed the mountains, which provided stability to the earth.
The Angels wondered, “O Lord, did You create any creation that is stronger than the mountains?” He answered, “Yes, the iron.”
The Angels wondered, “O Lord, did You create any creation that is stronger than the iron?” He answered, “Yes, the fire.”
The Angels wondered, “O Lord, did You create any creation that is stronger than the fire?” He answered, “Yes, the water.”
The Angels wondered, “O Lord, did You create any creation that is stronger than the water?” He answered, “Yes, the wind.”
The Angels wondered, “O Lord, did You create any creation that is stronger than the wind?” He answered, “Yes, the heart of Adam’s child. If he donates Sadaqah without announcing, in such a way that his left hand does not know about the spending of his right hand “(At Targheeb wa at Tarheeb, 2/68).
A good example of a strong, true faith that bears hard times was the magicians of Fira’un. one morning, they were evil pagans, enjoying money and a high prestige. When they discovered the reality of Allah (SWT), they converted to Islam. They were not afraid of Fira’un’s oppression and his threat of punishment. On that evening, these magicians became faithful martyrs.
Allah (SWT) said about the magicians: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allâh) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world.
‘”Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allâh is better as regards rewards in comparison to your [Fira’un’s (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards of punishment in comparison to your punishment”). (Taha, 72-73)
On a final note, I encourage you to protect your hearts and make sure that Allah (SWT) resides in it. Please understand that the heart must have residence within, either the Merciful or the devil. Verily, Allah (SWT) is the choice for our hearts.
We invoke Allah (SWT) to salvage our hearts and make them dedicated only to Allah (SWT), the Almighty and Generous.
Written by: Dr. Ahmed Shaheen
Professor in Al-Azhar University
And Islamic American University
Translated by: Abdullah Zettili
