In a world filled with pressures and fluctuations, everyone seeks inner peace as if it were a lost treasure. However, few realize that this deep tranquility cannot be attained from the outside; it begins from within the heart itself. A pure heart, free from grudges and hidden ailments, becomes fertile ground for the comfort of the soul and the calmness of the spirit.
Getting rid of the diseases of the heart—such as envy, malice, arrogance, and suspicion—is not merely a religious or moral behavior, but a necessary foundation for achieving true happiness. Every heart disease blocks the light of reassurance from you, weighing your life down with anxiety and sorrow. On the other hand, purifying the heart is a true journey of liberation, restoring the clarity of the soul and making your life brighter and more stable, no matter the challenges.
In this article, we will accompany you step by step on the journey of inner liberation, to rid yourself of the diseases of the heart and open the doors to lasting tranquility, with God's permission.
Have you ever wondered what prevents your heart from feeling peace despite all your efforts? Before we seek reassurance from the outside, we must pause for a moment and reflect within ourselves. Some heart diseases, which reside deep within us without our awareness, may be the true barrier to our happiness.
Let us begin this quiet journey together to discover these hidden ailments and learn how we can overcome them with practical steps, to reach, with God's permission, a tranquil heart and a life filled with comfort and happiness.
What are the diseases of the heart? And how do they affect your daily life?
The diseases of the heart are those hidden ailments that undermine a person's spiritual and psychological health, corrupting both their worldly life and the hereafter. Envy is that insidious disease that plants the seeds of hatred in the chest, turning the heart into a smoldering ember fueled by resentment, causing its owner to see nothing but faults in others, and to live in constant anxiety over their mere existence. Jealousy is that chronic illness that makes a person dissatisfied with God's distribution, leading them to neither rejoice in blessings nor accept fate, but rather to keep their eyes fixed on what others possess, missing out on the joy of contentment and the blessing of satisfaction.
Arrogance is a destructive affliction that strikes the soul, making it see itself above everyone else, looking down on others and feeling superior, which isolates its owner from society, leaving them alone in their ivory tower, deprived of the warmth of brotherhood and the sweetness of companionship. Hypocrisy is that hidden disease that corrupts deeds, robbing its owner of the fruits of their labor in this world and the hereafter, as they live in constant anxiety between seeking the approval of others and fearing its loss.
If these diseases take hold of the heart, they deprive it of the taste of faith and the sweetness of certainty, causing its owner to live in a whirlpool of whispers and worries, never enjoying a blessing or feeling secure in their state, but remaining in perpetual misery, for a heart tainted by hatred, jealousy, arrogance, or hypocrisy cannot embrace the light of faith, nor find a path to true tranquility which can only be achieved through the remembrance of God and obedience to Him. The more these diseases intensify in the heart, the further away one becomes from God, living in darkness where they cannot see the light of guidance nor taste the sweetness of peace.
Signs that you need to purify your heart
Peace of mind is not given by chance, but is planted in a pure, sound heart. With the accumulation of life's concerns and shocks, the diseases of the heart may creep in unnoticed, stealing our inner peace and tranquility of the soul. There are subtle signs; if you notice them in yourself, know that your heart is sending you a silent call for care and healing. Among the most important of these signs are:
Recurring feelings of anger:
Natural anger is a normal part of human life, but recurring anger, ignited by trivial reasons, indicates the presence of buried feelings that need addressing. When anger becomes a daily habit, it reveals hearts filled with distress and resentment, losing the ability to be patient and compassionate. A sound heart forgives and finds happiness in overcoming mistakes, not in magnifying them.
Constant anxiety and lack of comfort:
When you lack a sense of reassurance even in the quietest moments, and feel that your chest is tight regardless of stable circumstances, know that your heart is burdened with internal worries that need to be released.
Diseases such as envy, excessive attachment to worldly matters, or mistrust of others cause the heart to live in a state of constant alertness, robbing it of the joy of the present moment and keeping it captive to fear of the future or regret over the past.
Loss of the feeling of love and forgiveness:
A pure heart is one that loves unconditionally and forgives without expecting anything in return. However, if you notice that your love for people is beginning to fade, and you find it difficult to forgive those who wrong you, this is a clear indicator of the accumulation of heart diseases. The inability to love or forgive does not harm others as much as it harms you; it deprives you of the blessing of inner peace and makes your heart live in a constant state of harshness and bitterness.
If you see these signs in yourself, do not despair. Every heart is capable of purification, no matter how burdened it is with sins or how piled up with worries.
The journey of reform begins with a sincere step towards God and a genuine desire to live with a light, pure heart filled with peace.
Practical Steps to Overcome the Diseases of the Heart
Overcoming the diseases of the heart is not just a fleeting process; it is a challenging spiritual journey that requires long patience and continuous effort. The beginning of healing starts with a sincere confrontation with oneself, that painful self-disclosure that only the strong can master, where one acknowledges their heart's flaws without evasion or embellishment, saying with courage: "Yes, my heart is filled with malice towards so-and-so, and yes, I feel envy when I see God's blessings upon others." This acknowledgment is the first step on the path to healing, and it is a door that can only be opened with the key of honesty with the Creator and creation.
Then comes the stage of repentance and seeking forgiveness, which is not just words spoken, but a deep heart condition that requires tears of supplication and sincere remorse. True repentance is akin to a delicate surgical procedure that removes malignant tumors from the heart, and seeking forgiveness is the antibiotic that prevents the return of the disease. One of the righteous said: "When a sin leaves the heart, it leaves behind a darkness; if a servant frequently seeks forgiveness, their heart is polished until it becomes white."
As for training oneself to have a good opinion of others, it is akin to cognitive behavioral therapy for the heart, where a Muslim reprograms their subconscious mind to interpret events and situations positively. This requires daily exercises, such as stopping oneself at every negative thought and saying, "Perhaps my companion has an excuse I am unaware of," or "Maybe the matter is not as it seems to me." The early generations used to say, "If something you dislike reaches you about your brother, then seek an excuse for him as much as you can; if you do not find one, say: Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know."
We should not forget the spiritual practices that fortify the heart; reading the Quran with reflection, precise remembrances, and prayers in the early hours are all akin to chemotherapy sessions for the heart, melting impurities and strengthening spiritual immunity. Likewise, the company of righteous people who assist in good deeds and remind of God is like a supportive medical team in the journey of healing.
Finally, maintaining the health of the heart requires a comprehensive system, such as daily accountability, weekly reviews, and monthly retreats with oneself. Ibn Qayyim said, "Whoever knows himself will occupy themselves with correcting it rather than focusing on the faults of others." If a Muslim persists in this practical approach, with God's permission, their heart will transform from a sick heart filled with impurities to a sound heart overflowing with faith, experiencing the sweetness of tranquility and enjoying the pleasure of closeness to the Merciful.
The Power of Supplication and Remembrance in Purifying the Heart
There is no remedy for the heart more beneficial or quicker in effect than sincere supplication and continuous remembrance. Hearts, by their nature, weaken and become neglectful over time, and nothing restores their clarity and purity like a genuine moment of connection with Allah, the Almighty.
When supplication comes from a sincere heart, it serves as a hidden plea seeking help from Allah to cleanse what has clung to the heart from diseases unseen by humans, but He, the Exalted, sees them and knows their secrets.
Among the mercies of Allah towards us is that He has prescribed easy remembrances, yet they have a profound effect on the heart and soul, including:
Constant seeking forgiveness: "I seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty and turn to Him" removes the burdens of sins and cleanses the heart continuously.
The remembrance of "There is no god but Allah": The word of monotheism renews faith and plants in the heart the light of reassurance and pure monotheism.
Glorification and praise: Saying "Glory be to Allah and praise Him" and "Glory be to Allah the Great" elevates the heart above earthly concerns and envelops it in the light of contentment.
Sending blessings upon the Prophet peace be upon him: Opens the doors of mercy and increases the heart's closeness and blessings.
Continuing these remembrances, morning and evening, keeps the heart in a state of constant renewal and prevents it from rust and negligence.
The Prophet peace be upon him was keen on teaching us supplications that protect our hearts from ailments, and among the most important of these supplications are:
"O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it; You are the best of those who purify it. You are its guardian and protector."
"O Allah, place light in my heart, and light in my hearing, and light in my sight."
"O Allah, I ask You for a sound heart."
Consistently reciting these supplications with humility and certainty, along with practical efforts to reform oneself, opens the doors of tranquility to the heart and allows it to live in peace that is not shaken by storms.
The Importance of Good Companionship in Supporting Your Journey
The role of good companionship in the journey of heart reform and freeing it from its ailments should not be underestimated, as a person is influenced by the nature of those around them, whether in their thoughts, feelings, or even their faith. Good companionship is like a mirror that gently shows you your faults, supports you when you are weak, and reminds you of Allah when you become heedless. The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said: "A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends" (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Al-Tirmidhi). Thus, those who associate with the righteous and the good find themselves naturally inclined towards obedience, repelled by disobedience, and feel a driving force towards purification and improvement.
Spiritual Influence: Good companionship reminds you of Allah, making you eager to pray on time, increase your remembrance, and strive in acts of worship.
Psychological impact: Good friends make you feel at ease; there is no malice in their hearts, nor envy in their souls, and this tranquility reflects onto you.
Behavioral impact: When you see those around you embodying patience, humility, and kindness, you automatically begin to mimic these traits until they become part of you.
Therapeutic impact: A true friend does not let you sink into the ailments of your heart but gently reminds you and helps you rid yourself of malice, envy, or arrogance.
Choose those who remind you of God: A companion who, when you see him, reminds you of the Hereafter, and when you sit with him, strengthens your faith.
Avoid negative companions: Those who indulge in gossip, pessimism, or complaining, as they darken your heart.
Seek aspiring companions: Those who strive for piety and righteousness, as you will find in their company a motivation for change.
Be careful of a wise friend: One who advises you wisely when you err, and encourages you without flattery when you do well.
Avoid bad company: Those who belittle sins or mock acts of worship, for they are like a contagious disease.
On the path to purifying the heart and achieving tranquility, you cannot walk alone. The soul, by nature, weakens and needs reminders when it becomes heedless, and support when it falters. Thus, righteous companionship is one of the greatest reasons for steadfastness on the path of goodness and one of the strongest factors that help purify the heart and maintain good deeds.
How do you build a circle of righteous companionship that surrounds you with light and tranquility?
Start by attending gatherings of knowledge and remembrance.
Connect with those you see as righteous, and be sincere in your companionship with them.
Make sure to also support your friends in goodness.
Seek help through sincere supplication.
"O Allah, grant me righteous companionship that helps me in Your remembrance, gratitude, and good worship."
Building a circle of righteous companionship is like building a strong fortress around your heart, protecting it from negligence and nourishing it with faith and pure love. So start today with small steps, and you will see how your life changes for the better, God willing.
Righteous companionship is not just a fellowship; it is a decisive factor in the success of your journey to purify your heart. The more you surround yourself with the people of goodness, the faster your healing will be, and your heart will be filled with light and tranquility. Choose your companions wisely, for they can either be a cause for your success or a cause for your misery.
Patience and Perseverance: Why Does Inner Liberation Take Time?
Inner liberation is a true construction that starts from within; it requires you to review yourself honestly and to be patient with the real change that may be slow but is steady and solid.
The difference between momentary change and deep change
Momentary change may give you a beautiful feeling, a quick boost, or temporary enthusiasm after listening to a lecture or reading a book, but it often fades with the passing days if it is not built on continuous effort.
Deep change means transforming good intentions into habits, remembrance into daily nourishment for the heart, and forgiveness into a way of life, until tranquility becomes a part of your being, not just a fleeting feeling.
How do you deal with setbacks during your journey?
The important thing in those moments is not to despair and not to think that everything you have built has collapsed.
It starts with a sincere intention in your heart and with simple, steady steps that accumulate day by day until they bring about the deep change you aspire to.
Remember that God is close, hears your prayers, and sees your struggles, and His promise to His sincere servants is to open for them the doors of light and guidance whenever they are sincere in their requests. So do not find the path difficult, and do not underestimate any good step you take; for great rivers begin with small drops.
Liberating the heart from its ailments is not a task completed in one night or in a single session of prayer and tears, but it is an extended journey that requires long patience and constant perseverance. Just as physical ailments need treatment and time to heal, the ailments of the heart are deeper and more subtle, and they are treated through continuity, not through fleeting impulses.
As for deep change, it occurs when you build small, steady habits and repeat them every day sincerely until they become part of your character.
In the journey of inner liberation, you must face moments of weakness or setbacks. Feelings of anger may return, anxiety may surround you again, or you may feel lethargic after a period of spiritual activity. This is completely natural, as the nature of the human soul has its ebb and flow. Remember that the way back is always open, no matter how far you stray. Seek God's help again and calmly rearrange your priorities. Ask God for forgiveness for your shortcomings and do not harshly reprimand yourself; rather, treat yourself kindly with renewed determination. Return to your small habits: prayer, remembrance, reading, attending knowledge sessions... do not underestimate the value of simple steps. The true journey is not for those who have never fallen, but for those who fall and rise, then continue on the path with determination and faith that God does not waste the efforts of those who strive towards Him.
You may sometimes feel that the path to tranquility is long, and that freeing yourself from the diseases of the heart is a difficult task, but the truth is that inner peace is closer to you than you think.
Simple steps to start from today:
Dedicate two minutes daily for sincere repentance.
Make sure to read a portion of the Quran, even if it's just one verse, with reflection.
Choose one prayer and repeat it from your heart every morning and evening.
Smile at those around you and forgive them their mistakes.
Each day, write down one beautiful feeling you experienced and thank God for it.
Start with these small steps, and you will see how the light of tranquility begins to seep into your heart little by little, until you find yourself liberated from burdens you didn't realize were weighing you down. Today is the best time to start. Do not wait for perfection, and do not wait for ideal circumstances. Just begin, and God is with you.
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