Ibn al-Qayyim رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ said:
“Many people have a naturally living heart. Whenever they think and meditate, their heart and mind will lead them to the truth of the Qur'an.”
[Al-Fawāʾid, p. 3]
Explanation
Ibn al-Qayyim رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ speaks about one of the greatest blessings a person can possess: a living heart. A living heart is one that remains receptive to guidance, eager to seek the truth, and willing to reflect upon the signs of Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Not everyone benefits from reminders in the same way. Some people may hear the verses of the Qur’an repeatedly without being moved, while others find that a single verse increases them in faith and certainty. Ibn al-Qayyim explains that those whose hearts are alive are naturally drawn toward the truth of the Qur’an whenever they think, reflect, and ponder its meanings.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“Surely in this is a reminder for whoever has a heart, or listens attentively while fully aware.”
[Qur’an 50:37]
The scholars explain that this verse refers to a heart that is alive and attentive. Such a heart recognizes the wisdom and guidance found in Allah’s words and benefits from them.
A believer should therefore strive to protect his heart from sins, heedlessness, and distractions, for these things weaken one’s ability to reflect and understand. The more a person remembers Allah, recites the Qur’an, and seeks beneficial knowledge, the more his heart grows in life and strength.
Signs of a Living Heart
Among the signs of a living heart are:
- Loving the Qur’an and enjoying its recitation.
- Reflecting upon the verses of Allah.
- Feeling remorse after committing sins.
- Being eager to perform righteous deeds.
- Accepting sincere advice and reminders.
- Increasing in faith when hearing the Qur’an.
- Seeking knowledge and acting upon it.
A living heart does not merely hear the truth, it responds to it.
How to Revive the Heart
The heart, like the body, requires nourishment. Among the greatest means of reviving the heart are:
- Reciting and reflecting upon the Qur’an daily.
- Remembering Allah through dhikr.
- Making sincere du‘ā’.
- Keeping the company of righteous people.
- Learning about the lives of the Prophets and the Salaf.
- Avoiding sins and excessive attachment to worldly matters.
The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said:
“Verily, 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. Verily, it is the heart.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
Benefits of Reflection and Meditation
When a person reflects upon the Qur’an with a sincere and attentive heart, he gains many benefits:
- Stronger faith and certainty.
- Greater love for Allah and His Messenger.
- Wisdom and understanding.
- Peace and tranquillity.
- Protection from doubts and temptations.
- A deeper connection with the Qur’an.
The Qur’an was revealed not only to be recited, but also to be understood, contemplated, and acted upon.
Conclusion
Ibn al-Qayyim’s words remind us that guidance begins with the heart. A heart that is alive and sincere will naturally recognize the truth of the Qur’an and incline toward it. Through reflection, remembrance, and obedience to Allah, the believer can strengthen his heart and increase in faith.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant us hearts that are alive with His remembrance and illuminated by the guidance of His Book.
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