Ibn al-Qayyim رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ said:
Many people do not possess a perfectly prepared and aware heart, namely, a completely living heart. Such a heart needs a witness to distinguish between right and wrong.
[Al-Fawāʾid, p. 4]
Explanation
In this profound statement, Ibn al-Qayyim رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ draws attention to the condition of the human heart and its role in recognising truth. Not every heart is equally alive, aware, and prepared to distinguish between guidance and misguidance. While some hearts are naturally receptive to the truth, others have been weakened by sins, distractions, and heedlessness.
A truly living heart is one that recognises the signs of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, inclines toward obedience, and recoils from sin. However, Ibn al-Qayyim explains that many people do not possess such a heart in its complete form. Therefore, they require a “witness” to help them distinguish between right and wrong.
The witness that Ibn al-Qayyim refers to is the revelation sent by Allah: the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Through them, Allah has clarified truth from falsehood, guidance from error, and righteousness from corruption. A believer whose heart is weak or uncertain can return to revelation and find clear guidance.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
[Qur’an 17:9]
The Qur’an is a light that illuminates the path for those seeking guidance. The more a person reads it, reflects upon it, and acts upon it, the more alive and aware his heart becomes.
Signs of a Living Heart
The scholars often mention signs that indicate a heart is alive and healthy. Among them are:
- Love for the Qur’an and its recitation.
- Eagerness to obey Allah.
- Feeling remorse after committing sins.
- Accepting sincere advice and reminders.
- Distinguishing truth from falsehood.
- Finding comfort in worship and remembrance.
On the other hand, a heart that is distant from Allah becomes increasingly unable to recognize guidance and may begin to justify wrongdoing.
How the Heart Is Revived
Just as the body requires food and drink, the heart requires nourishment. Among the greatest means of reviving the heart are:
- Reciting and reflecting upon the Qur’an.
- Seeking beneficial knowledge.
- Remembering Allah regularly.
- Keeping righteous company.
- Making sincere repentance.
- Avoiding sins and distractions.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
The condition of a person’s heart ultimately shapes his actions, words, and choices.
Lessons From This Statement
This statement teaches us several important lessons:
- Hearts differ in their ability to recognize the truth.
- The Qur’an and Sunnah are the ultimate criteria for distinguishing right from wrong.
- Sins and heedlessness weaken the heart.
- Reflection and remembrance revive the heart.
- Every believer should strive to cultivate a heart that is alive and receptive to guidance.
The Salaf understood that the state of the heart determines the state of the person. For this reason, they gave great importance to purifying and protecting it.
Conclusion
Ibn al-Qayyim’s words remind us that a healthy and living heart is among the greatest blessings a person can possess. When the heart is weak, it requires the guidance of revelation to distinguish truth from falsehood.
By turning to the Qur’an and Sunnah, seeking knowledge, and striving to obey Allah, the believer nourishes his heart and strengthens his ability to recognize and follow the truth.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant us hearts that are alive with faith and illuminated by His guidance.
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