The Spiritual and Moral Health of the Heart

TIDAK BOHONGLAH HATI TENTANG APA YANG DI LIHATNYA
( An - Najm -11 )

Heart is very important part of the human body. A lot depends on the heart : Not only our physical health, but also our spiritual and moral health depends on the soundness of the heart, Someone said rightly, " The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem." All problems, whether individual, familial, social, economic, political, national, or international, stem from the problems of the heart.

The heart indeed has a physical function, but there is no evidence to prove that it has no spiritual or moral functions. The soul probably resides in the heart or is attached to it. The soul is the inner dimension of our being. It is related to the body and mind as well, but it has its own existence, most probably, in or near the heart.

In the Qur' an, the words qalb and fou' ad are used. The word qalb ( plural qoloub ) occurs 132 times and the word fou' ad ( plural af' idah ) occurs 16 times.

Qalb is used both in its physical and spiritual senses, while fou'ad is used more in the spiritual sense. Both mean heart, and the heart is the seat of awareness, consciousness, feelings, and thought. It could be good or bad, healthy or unhealthy.

clipped from www.islamonline.net [Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.](Aal `Imran 3:8) "Allah does not look at your bodies or possessions, but He looks at your hearts and actions."(Muslim) [The Day when neither wealth nor children can help, but only he (will prosper) that comes before Allah with a sound heart. To the righteous, the Garden [ Paradise] will be brought near.] (Ash-Shu`araa' 26:88-90) [And the Garden will be brought nigh to the righteous, no more a thing distant. (A voice will say,) "This is what was promised for you, for everyone who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept (His Law), who feared (Allah) Most Gracious unseen and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him): Enter you therein in peace and security; this is a Day of Eternal Life!' There will be for them therein all that they wish, and more besides in Our Presence.](Qaf 50:31-35)