12 Reasons for Shukr (thankfulness) to Allah

1. We can never count Allah's Blessings:

Be ever grateful to Allah for everything that you possess including your wealth, health, status, intellectual abilities and life. Allah says:

"Is, then, He Who creates comparable to any that cannot create? Will you not, then, take heed? For should you try to count Allah's blessings, you could never compute them" (An-Nahl 16:17-19).

2. Shaytan's primary mission is to make human beings ungrateful:

From the very beginning of the human being's creation, the issue of gratefulness and thankfulness to Allah has been debated. After refusing to bow to Adam, Satan said: "Then I will certainly come to them from before them and from behind them, and from the right-hand side and from the left-hand side, and You (Allah) shall not find most of them thankful." (Al-Araf 7:17)

3- The opposite of Shukr (gratitude) is Kufr (disbelief):

In many places in the Quran, Allah compares the terms shukr and kufr.  "Then remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject Me" (Al-Baqarah 2:152).

Iman (belief) implies shukr or gratefulness as opposed to kufr or ungratefulness. A kafiror disbeliever is ungrateful to the Being Who has given him everything, whereas a Believer is one who is ever thankful for all that Allah has given him.

4- We thank Allah for our own benefit:

If you are ungrateful, Allah is unaffected. If you become grateful, then you have taken the first step towards becoming a true Believer. It is for this reason that the Prophet exhorted us to "Love Allah as we benefit from His grace" (Tirmidhi).

Allah reminds us: " And whoever is grateful, he is only grateful for the benefit of his own self" (Luqman 31:12). "For surely if it was not for the grace of God on you and His mercy, you would have been among the losers" (Al-Baqarah 2:64).

5- True worship means sincere thankfulness to Allah:

Allah explained in the Quran that the only people who truly worship Him are those who give gratitude to Him, so those who are not among the people of gratitude are not among the people of Ibadah (worship and obedience). "... and be grateful to All?h, if it is Him you worship" (Al-Baqarah 2:172).

6- Shukr leads to Allah's pleasure:

Allah has told us that His pleasure may be attained through gratitude. " If you are grateful, He is pleased with you..." (Az-Zumar 39:7).

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something, he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something, he thanks Allah for it" (Muslim).

7- Gratitude is a purpose of our creation:

"It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affection: that you may give thanks (to Allah)"(An-Nahl, 16:78).

8- Shukr is a quality of success in this life and in the Hereafter:

Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet said: "There are four qualities, whoever is given them has truly been given the best in this world and the next. They are: a grateful heart (that is thankful to Allah), a remembering tongue (that mentions Allah often), an enduring body (to persevere through the trials), and a faithful wife."

9- Being grateful and patient in times of difficulty:

Everything that happens to us - even events that we may consider to be personal afflictions or natural disasters-are from Allah. Therefore, in times of calamity and distress, there will be some good for us, provided we respond appropriately. The Prophet said:

"How wonderful is the case of a Believer! There is good for him in whatever happens to him -and none, apart from him, enjoys this blessing. If he receives some bounty, he is grateful to Allah and this bounty brings good to him. And if some adversity befalls him, he is patient, and this affliction, too, brings good to him" (Muslim).

10- Allah's Mercy is for all, but most people will remain ungrateful:

He shows and gives mercy to all, even those who continue to be ungrateful and rebellious towards Him: "Indeed God is the possessor of bounty for all people but most people do not give thanks." (Al-Baqarah 2: 243).

11- Most people subconsciously thank God:

Reflect upon your own life and you will find innumerable occasions when Allah's `hand' has been holding you and helping you. So often, believers and even atheists subconsciously use the expression 'Thank God', without realising the full implications of our words.

12- Shukr leads to abundance in Allah's favors:

If you appreciate Allah's favors, He has promised increased Rahma or mercy for you. Allah's reward for your gratitude is unlimited and unconditional. "If you are grateful, I will surely give you more and more" (Ibrahim 14:7).

Three ways to express Shukr:

The classical Muslim scholars have indicated Shukr can be shown in three ways:

- Shukr of the heart (Qalb), which is achieved by harboring and intending good for all of Allah's creation.

- Shukr of the tongue (Lisan), which involves celebrating the praises of Allah, such as utterance of Alhamdulillah, and expressing gratefulness to Allah with our tongue.

- Shukr of the limbs (Jawarih), which is fulfilled by using our external senses to do good. Every time Allah gives us a blessing, we must use it in a way that benefits humanity and that pleases Allah.

The United Colors of Islam

“God said: ‘What prevented you (O Satan) that you did notprostrate when I commanded you?’Iblees (the Satan) replied: ‘I am better than him (Adam).You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” (Quran 7:12)

So begins the history of racism.Satan thought himself superior to Adam on account of his origins.Since that day, Satan has misled many of Adam’s descendants into also believing themselves superior to others, causing them to persecute and exploit their fellow man.

Quite often, religion has been used to justify racism.Judaism, for example, despite its Middle-Eastern origins, is readily passed off as a Western religion; but the entry of Jews into all levels of Western society actually betrays Judaism’s elitist reality.A pious reading of the bible verse:“There is no God in all the world but in Israel.” ( Kings 5:15)...would be to suggest that in those days God, or God, was not worshipped except by Israelites.However, Judaism today remains centered around its boast of ‘chosen’ racial superiority.“Say: ‘O Jews!If you pretend that you are the beloved slaves of God to the exclusion of the rest of humanity, then long for death if you are really truthful.’” (Quran 62:6)

Conversely, while most Christians are overwhelmingly non-Jew, Jesus, as the last of the Israelite Prophets, was sent to none but the Jews1“And (remember) when Jesus, son of Mary, said:‘O Children of Israel!I am the Messenger of God sent unto you, confirming the Torah before me and bearing glad tidings of a Messenger after me whose name shall be Ahmad2...’” (Quran 61:6)And likewise every Prophet was sent exclusively to his own people,every Prophet, that is, except Muhammad.“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O People!I am the Messenger of God sent to you all...’” (Quran 7:158)As Muhammad was God’s final Prophet and Messenger, his mission was a universal one, intended for not only his own nation, the Arabs, but all the peoples of the world.The Prophet said:“Every other Prophet was sent to his nation exclusively, while I have been sent to all of humanity.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)“

And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a bearer of glad tidings and a Warner to all mankind, but most of people know not.” (Quran 34:28)1The bible agrees.Jesus is reported to have said: ‘I have not been sent except to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ (Matthew 15:24).Hence, every one of his famous twelve disciples was an Israelite Jew.The one biblical passage where Jesus tells them to: ‘Go and preach unto all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.’ (Matthew 28:19), commonly quoted to prove the Gentile mission as well as the Trinity, is not found in any pre-16th century manuscript and thus considered ‘a pious fraud.’

One of the names of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.And We sent to every nation a Messenger (saying): ‘Worship God (alone) and shun false deities.’ (Quran 16:36)

Bilal the Abyssinian

One of the first to accept Islam was an Abyssinian slave named Bilal.Traditionally, black Africans were a lowly people in the sight of Arabs who thought them to be of little use beyond entertainment and slavery.When Bilal embraced Islam, his pagan master had him brutally tortured in the scorching desert heat until Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s closest friend, rescued him by buying his freedom.The Prophet appointed Bilal to call the believers to prayer.The athanheard from minarets in every corner of the world since, echoes the exact same words recited by Bilal.

Thus, a onetime lowly slave won a unique honor as Islam’s first muezzin.“And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam...” (Quran 17:70)Western romantics hail ancient Greece as being the birthplace of democracy.4The reality was that, as slaves and women, the vast majority of Athenians were denied the right to elect their rulers.Yet, Islam ordained that a slave could himself be ruler!The Prophet ordered:“Obey your ruler even if he be an Abyssinian slave.” (Ahmad)

Salman the Persian

Like most of his countrymen, Salman was raised a devout Zoroastrian.However, after an encounter with some Christians at worship, he accepted Christianity as ‘something better’.Salman then traveled extensively in search of knowledge, from the service of one learned monk to another, the last of whom said: ‘O son!I do not know of anyone who is on the same (creed) as we are.However, the time of the emergence of a Prophet is at hand.This 

[Democracy is a Middle-Eastern invention, first seen in the civilization of Ebla in 3rd millennium BC, and then in Phoenicia and Mesopotamia during 11th century BC.It did not appear in Athens unti15th century BC.]

Prophet is upon the religion of Abraham.’The monk then proceeded to describe this Prophet, his character and where he would appear.Salman migrated to Arabia, the land of the prophecy, and when he heard about and met Muhammad, he immediately recognized him from his teacher’s descriptions and embraced Islam.Salman became renowned for his knowledge and was the first person to translate the Quran into another language, Persian.Once, whilst the Prophet was amongst his Companions, the following was revealed to him:“It is He (God) Who had sent among the unlettered (the Arabs) a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves... and (also to) others (i.e. non-Arabs) among them who have not yet joined them (as Muslims)...” (Quran 62:2-3)

God’s Messenger then placed his hand on Salman and said:“Even if the Faith were near (the stars of) Pleiades, a man from amongst these (Persians) would surely attain it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Suhayb the Roman 

Suhayb was born into privilege in the luxurious house of his father, who was a client governor for the Persian emperor.While he was still a child, Suhayb was captured by Byzantine raiders and sold into slavery in Constantinople.Suhayb eventually escaped from bondage and fled to Mecca, a popular place of asylum, where he soon became a prosperous merchant nick-named ‘ar-Rumi’, the Roman, due to his Byzantine tongue and upbringing.When Suhayb heard Muhammad preach, he was at once convinced of the truth of his message and embraced Islam.Like all the early Muslims, 

Suhayb was persecuted by the pagans of Mecca.So, he traded all his wealth in exchange for safe passage to join the Prophet at Medina, whereupon the Prophet, delighted to see Suhayb, greeted him thrice: ‘Your trade has been fruitful, O [Suhayb]!Your trade has been fruitful!’God had informed the Prophet of Suhayb’s exploits before their reunion with this revelation:“And there is a type of man who ransoms himself to earn the pleasure of God.And God is full of kindness to His servants.” (Quran 2:207)

The Prophet loved Suhayb a great deal and described him as having preceded the Romans to Islam.Suhayb’s piety and standing among the early Muslims was so high that when Caliph Umar was on his deathbed, he selected Suhayb to lead them until they could agree upon a successor.

Abdullah the Hebrew

The Jews were another nation that the pre-Islamic Arabs held in contempt.Many Jews and Christians had been expecting a new Prophet to appear in Arabia during the time of the Prophet Muhammad.Jews from the Levite tribe in particular had settled in large numbers in and around the city of Medina.However, when the muchanticipated Prophet came, not as a Hebrew son of Israel, butas the Arab descendant of Ishmael, the Jews rejected him.Except, that is, for a few like Hussein bin Salam.Hussein was the most learned rabbi and leader of the Medinan Jews but was denounced and vilified by them when he embraced Islam.The Prophet re-named Husayn, ‘Abdullah’, meaning ‘Servant of God’, and gave him the glad tidings that he was destined for Paradise.

Abdullah addressed his tribesmen saying:‘O assembly of Jews!Be conscious of God and accept what Muhammad has brought.By God!You certainlyknow that he is God’s Messenger and you can find prophecies about him and mention of his name and characteristics in your Torah.I for my part declare that he is the Messenger of God.I have faith in him and believe that he is true.I (for one) recognize him.’God revealed the following about Abdullah:

“And a witness from the Children of Israel testified to this (Quran being from God) like (the Torah).So he believed while (most of) you (Jews) are too proud (to believe).” (Quran 46:10)Thus, in the ranks of the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions could be found Africans, Persians, Romans and Israelites; representatives of every known continent.As the Prophet said:“Indeed, my friends and allies are not the tribe of so and so.Rather, my friends and allies are the pious, wherever they may be.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari,Saheeh Muslim)

This universal brotherhood preached by Islam was championed by the Prophet’s Companions after him.When the Companion, Ubada bin as-Samit, led a delegation to Muqawqis, the Christian patriarch of Alexandria, the latter exclaimed: ‘Get this black man away from me and bring in his stead another to talk to me! ...How can you be content that a black man should be the foremost among you?Is it not more fitting that he be below you?’‘Indeed no!’, Ubada’s comrades replied, ‘Though he is black as you see, he is still the foremost among us in position, intelligence and wisdom; for black is not despised among us.’“Truly, the Believers are but brothers...” (Quran 49:10)

It is the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, which remains the ultimate symbol of the oneness and brotherhood of man.Here, rich and poor from all nations stand and bow in unison before God in what is the largest gathering of humanity; testifying to the Prophet’s words when he said:“There is truly no excellence for an Arab over a non-Arab; or for a non-Arab over an Arab; or for a white man over a black man; or for a black man over a white man; except through piety.” (Ahmad)And this confirms the Quran, which says:

“O humanity!We have created you from a single male and female and have made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (not that you have pride over one another).Verily, the most honorable of you in the God’s Sight is the one most pious...” (Quran 49:13)As for nationalism, with its factionalizing of Muslims along ethnic and tribal lines, it is considered an evil innovation.“If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, the wealth you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than God and His Messenger and striving hard in His Cause, then wait until God brings about His Decision.And God guides not a rebellious people.” (Quran 9:24)

The Prophet said:“... whoever fights under the banner of the blind, becoming angry for nationalism, calling to nationalism, or assisting nationalism, and dies: then he dies a death of jahiliyya (i.e. pre-Islamic ignorance and disbelief).” (Saheeh Muslim)Rather, the Quran says:“While those who disbelieved placed in their hearts pride and haughtiness -the pride and haughtiness of jahiliyya, God sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the Believers...” (Quran 48:26)

In fact, the Muslims in and of themselves constitute a single body and supra-nation, as the Prophet explained:“The parable of the Believers in their mutual love and mercy is like that of a living body: if one part feels pain, the whole body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.” (Saheeh Muslim)The Quran confirms this unity:

“Thus, We have made you (Believers into) a (single) justly-balanced community...” (Quran 2:143)Perhaps one of the greatest barriers to the acceptance of Islam by many Westerners is the fallacy that it is primarily a religion for Orientals or dark-skinned people.No doubt, the racial injustices against many blacks, be they Abyssinian slaves of pre-Islamic Arabia, or 20th century Afro-Americans, has prompted many to embrace Islam.But this is beside the point.

The Prophet Muhammad was himself of whitish complexion, described by his Companions as being ‘white and ruddy’ -a description many tens of millions of believing Arabs, Berbers and Persians share.Even blue-eyed blondes are not so rare amongst Near Easterners.Furthermore, Europe has more indigenous white Muslims than it has ‘colored’ immigrants.

The Bosnians, for example, whose numbers were decimated at the end of the 20th century but who, due to their heroism and tradition of tolerance, have contributed most to Balkan peace and stability.Albanians too, descended from Europe’s ancient Illyrians, are also largely Muslim.In fact, one of the 20th century’s leading Muslim scholars, Imam Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen al-Albani, was, as his title suggests, Albanian.“Truly, We created humans in the best stature.” (Quran 5:4)Whites have been called ‘caucasian’ ever since anthropologists declared the Caucasus Mountains, home to Europe’s highest peaks, to be the ‘Cradle of the White Race.’

Today, the natives of these mountains are Muslims.Amongst many a lesser-known tribe of fierce mountaineers and fair maidens are the Circassians famed for their bravery and beauty and who, as Mamluke rulers of Syria and Egypt, helped defend the civilized world and safeguard its holy lands from the ravages of the Mongol hordes.Then thereis the brutalized Chechen, arguably the most unwieldy of all God’s creatures, whose tenacity and resistance has helped them avoid the fate of the Circassians.Meanwhile, over 1,000,000 American and North European Caucasian whites -Anglo-Saxons, Franks, Germans, Scandinavians and Celts included -now profess Islam.

In fact, Islam peacefully entered parts of Europe before Christianity, when: ‘In times long ago, when the Russian Slav had not yet started to build Christian churches on the Oka nor conquered these places in the name of European civilization, the Bulgar was already listening to the Quran on the banks of the Volga and the Kama.’ (Solov’ev, 1965) [On 16 May 922, Islam became the official state religion of the Volga Bulgars, with whom today’s Bulgarians share a common ancestry.]Every faith besides Islam calls for the worship of creation in some way, shape or form.Moreover, race and color play a central and divisive role in almost all non-Islamic belief systems.

A Christian’s deification of Jesus and the saints or a Buddhist’s deification of Buddha and the Dalai Lamas has people of a particular race and color being worshipped in derogation of GodIn Judaism, salvation is withheld from the non-Jew Gentile.Hinduism’s caste system likewise checks the spiritual, socio-political and economic aspirations of the ‘unclean’ lower castes.Islam, however, seeks to unite and make one all the creatures of the world upon the Unity and Oneness of their Creator.Thus, Islam alone liberates all peoples, races and colors in the worship of God alone.“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the (wonderful) differences of your languages and colors.Verily, in that are indeed signs for people of sound knowledge.” (Quran 30:22)

Qalbin salîm

This specific heart, the saleem heart, is found in the Quran twice:

 إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ

“When the only one who will be saved is the one who comes before God with a heart devoted to Him” [26:88]

إِذْ جَاءَ رَبَّهُ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ

“He came to His Lord with a devoted heart” [37:84]         

The word saleem in translations is often translated into whole, complete, or devoted. The scholars have differed in the exact meaning behind this heart and the term saleem. Imam Ibn Kathir and Imam AlTabari, in their tafsir (exegesis) state that it is the heart that knows Allah (swt) is the truth, that the Day of Judgement is a certainty, and that Allah (swt) resurrects us after our death. Imam AlRazi says it is a heart that is free from ignorance and poor manners.

There are many sayings that are quoted in the tafsir books from the companions and those that come after them about the meaning of the saleem heart including the heart free from innovation, the heart that fears Allah, the heart that is free from the pain that comes with wealth, the sincere heart. Imam Qurtubi in his tafsir summarizes all of these and explains it as the heart that is free from all negative characteristics and that can be only described positively.

Many of the tafsir scholars also clarify that it is the heart that is free of disbelief but may commit sin, because no one is free of sin [AlTabari, Qurtubi, AlShawkani, Ibn Kathir]. It is important to make this distinction because it would otherwise be an unattainable heart. Although the scholars have differed on the exact definition of the word saleem in this instance, the tafsir scholars conclude that it is a positive heart free of negative characteristics and full of attachment to Allah (swt) that we must try to attain.

And abase me not on the Day when (humanity) will be raised up. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except for him who comes to Allah with a pure heart. [Sûrat Al-Shuʿarâ’, 26:87-89]

FREQUENTLY, THE TERM “qalbin salîm” is translated as a “pure heart.” In many of our minds, a pure heart is often connected to a person who commits no sins, who does not err. For most of us, it’s impossible to live a sinless, errorless life. This makes some of us feel like qalbin salîm is somewhat an unattainable goal.

But qalbin salîm wasn’t understood to relate to perfection by Qur’anic commentators. The masters of Quranic understanding in fact specified that qalbin salîm does not refer to a person who commits no sin.

In Tafsîr al-Baghawi, Imam Al-Baghawi explains the heart in this verse to mean:

Pure from associating partners with God and doubts. As for sins, not a single person is protected from [not] committing them. And this is what most Qur’anic commentators have said.

So, if qalbin salîm isn’t specifically for those who are sinless, perfect believers…to whom is it referring?

As mentioned in Tafsîr ibn Kathîr, according to Muhammad Ibn Sîrîn:

The qalbin salîm knows that Allah is the truth, that the Hour is coming without doubt, and that Allah raises the dead from their graves.

Ibn ʿAbbâs explains that this type of heart,

Testifies there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah.

Mujâhid and Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri both agree that it refers to being pure from shirk (associating partners with Allah).

And Saʿîd Ibn Al-Musayyib said:

It is the heart that is sound; the heart of the believer. Because the heart of the disbeliever and the hypocrite are sick (as Allah says, In their hearts is sickness… [Sûrat Al-Baqarah, 2:10])

Imam Jalâl Al-Dîn Al-Ṣûyuṭi mentions in Tafsîr Al-Jalâlayn that qalbin salîm refers to a heart,

free of shirk and hypocrisy- and that is the heart of the believer…

Al-Ṭabari mentions it as the heart being sound from doubt in the Oneness of Allah and resurrection after death.

Al-Ḍaḥâk mentioned it’s a heart that is sincere.

As we can see from numerous Quranic commentators, the “pure” heart isn’t referring to a believer who commits no sins or who is perfect. It is referring to a heart that is free of associating partners with God, that believes in Him without doubt and that believes in the Hereafter.

In other words, if you’re a Muslim who worships Allah directly, have no doubt in His existence or that there is a Hereafter, then you already have one part of qalbin salîm: a sound, pure heart.

BUT WHAT IF you do have doubts? What if sometimes, you have a question that festers in your heart and you feel it is slowly chipping away at your soul? Does that mean your heart is wretched? Does it mean you aren’t a good enough believer?

No. It’s normal to have questions and to need reassurance. Ibrahim—the Friend of God, the one who physically was thrown into a fire that was made cool for him- the Prophet who has seen miracle after miracle coming from Allah—asked God:

My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” [Allah] said: “Do you not believe?” [Ibrahim] said: “Yes [I believe], but to be stronger in faith.” [Sûrat Al-Baqarah, 2:260]

If someone in Ibrahim’s lofty station is seeking another sign to help his heart feel firm and certain about the truth, then what about you and me? There will certainly be times where we need our faith strengthened, need our questions answered, so that our doubts, concerns and questions can lead us to feel stronger in our own faith as well.

SO, IS THAT IT? Is that all there is to having a ‘pure’ and ‘sound’ heart?

There’s another aspect mentioned by Qur’anic commentators and encompassing qalbin salîm: that of character.

Ibn ʿÂshûr explains in his tafsîr that the second part of qalbin salîm refers to actions that are righteous. In Ṭantâwi’s Al–Tafsîr Al-Waṣîṭ, he includes that this term refers to purity from committing ugly actions. Imam Al-Qurṭubi explains that the second part of the meaning of this term refers to a heart that is free from reprehensible characteristics and that is described with beautiful ones.

A number of mufasirûn cite the words of the Prophet ﷺ:

There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily, this piece is the heart. (Bukhari)

Thus, they posit that righteous deeds begin with a heart that is salîm as this is the center from which all other actions stem.

A heart that is free of jealousy, free of hating a fellow believer without valid reason, free of arrogance, free of self-awe and arrogance, are amongst the qualities which we must all work on if we are to achieve qalbin salîm.

How can we achieve a qalbin salîm? Here are a few suggestions:

As related to the faith in God and certainty of the Hereafter:A. Find aspects of Islam that help our hearts feel firm on the reality of Allah and the reality of the Hereafter. For example, the natural world miracles of the Quran and the prophesies of the Prophet ﷺ.— How could the Prophet ﷺ, someone who was illiterate, who had no formal study and who certainly did not have any present-day technologically advanced tools in the middle of the desert over 1400 years ago, state scientifically-sound concepts that range from astronomy to botany to embryology and so much in-between as related in the Quran?

— How could he ﷺ have predicted what would happen after his death, only for those prophecies to come true not only once, but over and over? These are not the actions of a human who was [God forbid] crazy or simply passionate about a cause. These are signs from the Divine.

B. Contemplation: Spending time in nature, considering the vastness of the power of Allah and the greatness of His creation.— Contemplating the incredible and complex nature of the human body and brain.

— Contemplating the miracle of life: how a human is born out of combined liquid!

How could any of this exist randomly, without His perfect power?

C. Self-reflection: Considering all the miracles, the bounties and the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

— How many times have we been saved from something, only to realize it was undoubtedly by Allah’s mercy?

— How can we deny His special attention to each and every one of us when we reflect on the intricacies of our lives?

D. Questions: If a person has a question that’s plaguing the heart and blocking the ability to feel certain of Allah and the Hereafter, seek the answer from those who are qualified to respond. If the answer isn’t satisfying, continue to search. Sometimes the way one person explains something to us might not make sense, whereas the words of another may click.

E. Always make duʿâ’ for Allah to keep our hearts firm. Amongst the most voiced duʿâ’ of the Prophet ﷺ was: Yâ muqalib al-qulûb, thabbit qalbî ʿala dînik. Oh Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion. (Tirmidhi)

As related to character:

Improving our characters is an ever-evolving process; this is a journey that takes a lifetime. Here are just two ideas on how to begin the process of character purification:

— Write a list of beneficial characteristics we believe we have, as well as characteristics we need to improve on. Take one characteristic in each category and develop a plan for enhancing one positive characteristic and working on one negative characteristic over a specific time period. What are ways I can be a better parent to my children when they irritate me? What are ways I can be a better child when my parents frustrate me? How can I work on the arrogance that creeps into my heart? How can I want for my brother or sister that which I want for myself, without being jealous of what Allah has blessed them with?

— Increase in my duʿâ’ and dhikr, asking God to purify my heart, hoping that purification will affect my character. When the Prophet ﷺ would look in the mirror, he would say: Allâhuma, ‘aḥsanta khalqi, fa’aḥsin khuluqi. Oh Allah, You have perfected my creation, so perfect my character. (Ahmad)

OUR HEARTS DON’T NEED to be perfect for us to validly expect that we can come on the Day of Judgment with qalbin salîm. Instead, qalbin salîm means having certainty in Him and in the Hereafter, worshipping Him directly and without partner, and striving to improve our characters throughout our lives by doing righteous deeds that are pleasing to Him. And when we mess up: go back to Him, repent and seek His forgiveness and help in improving. It’s a lifelong process, but inshâ’Allah in the end, if we strive, we will all be counted as those who spent their lives seeking to attain qalbin salîm.

The-human-heart-in-the-glorious-Quran

The human heart is mentioned (132) times in the Glorious Qur'an, besides several other notions under 50th the metaphoric expressions "human chest Fou'ad" or the inner in both the singular and the plural forms. Of these Qur'anic statements, some describe this sentient organ as having the capacity of being a center of reasoning, intentions and decision – making. Consequently, human hearts can either be healthy or diseased. Healthy (or soft hearts) can have their humane attitude and balanced rational, while diseased (or hard, stony) hearts can loose both their humane touch and their capacity to see and understand. Such Qur'anic emphasis on the role of the human hearts in the mental, emotional and spiritual decisions of man came down more than 14 centuries ago, while physicians have –for centuries – been restricting the function of the human heart to the mere process of pumping the blood throughout the human body.

However, science has recently proven that the human heart is as sentient as the human brain, if not much more, as it has its own form of intelligence. Not only this, but it has been proven experimentally that the human heart does influence the brain's thinking capacity, and hence its physical capability of accepting, comprehending and storing knowledge. It has also been proven that the human heart communicates with both the brain and the rest of the human body neurologically (through the nervous system), biophysically (through pulse waves), biochemically (through certain hormones), and electromagnetically (through energetic waves).

The human heart's electromagnetic field is the most powerful rhythmic field produced by the human body. It envelopes every cell in that body, and extends out in all directions into the space surrounding it, as an important carrier of information.

The recently discovered human heart –brain synchronization (or the so-called Cardiac Coherence) has become an established fact, proving that the human heart's activity influences that of the brain, and that the heart has its own form of intelligence. Cardiac intelligence can process information about its body as well as its surroundings. This takes place through an "info- energetic code" in the form of a profuse network of blood vessels and cells that serve as energy information gathering and distributing system, recently termed "the heart code" by Paul Pearsall.

For the Noble Qur'an to spell out this fact more than 14 centuries ago is a living testimony to both its divine origin and the correct Prophethood of the noble messenger who had received it.

Introduction

The Glorious Qur'an which was revealed more than 14 centuries ago emphasized the fact that the human heart is a highly sentient organ with the capacity of feeling, reasoning and decision – making. Such cardiac qualities have only been very recently discovered in later part of the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty first century. For a book revealed in the seventh century, to an unlettered Prophet, in an unlettered society to spell these facts out in a very precise language is a living testimony to both the divine nature of the book and the correct Prophethood of its recipient.

Qur'anic verses with cardiac connotations The human heart is mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an (132) times, besides several other notions under the term "Fouâad" (or inner heart) (16) times, and under the metaphoric term (chest) which means the heart (44) times.

These Qur'anic verses can be listed as follows:

1. "And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allahs) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 159).

2. "Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy))". (Surah Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 89).

3. "When he came to his Lord with a pure heart (attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism)". (Surah As-Sâffât (Those Ranged in Ranks):84).

4. "Those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, it is greatly hateful and disgusting to Allah and to those who believe. Thus does Allah seal up the heart of every arrogant, tyrant. (So they cannot guide themselves to the Right Path)". (Surah Ghâfir (The Forgiver): 35).

5. "Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him - and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism), (Surah Qaf: 33).

6. "Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful". (Surah Qaf: 37).

7. "Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur’an) down to your heart by Allahs Permission, confirming what came before it (i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) and guidance and glad tidings for the believers". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 97).

8. "Upon your heart (O Muhammad SAW) that you may be (one) of the warners," (Surah Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 194).

9. "Then, if they have patience, yet the Fire will be a home for them, and if they beg for to be excused, yet they are not of those who will ever be excused". (Surah Ash-Shûra (The Consultation): 24).

10. "O you who believe! Say not (to the Messenger Peace be upon him) Raina but say Unzurna (Do make us understand) and hear. And for the disbelievers there is a painful torment". ((Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 104).

11. "And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging); then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully), and let him be afraid of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do". ((Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 283).

12. "O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (SAW) calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything). And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 24).

13. "Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment". (Surah An-Nahl (The Bees): 106).

14. "And keep yourself (O Muhammad SAW) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost". (Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): 28).

15. "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 32).

16. "Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?" (Surah Al-Jâthiyah (The Kneeling): 23).

17. "No calamity befalls, but with the Leave (i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)) of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart (to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)), and Allah is the All-Knower of everything". (Surah At-Taghâbun (Mutual Loss and Gain): 11).

18. "And the heart of the mother of Moosa (Moses) became empty (from every thought, except the thought of Moosa (Moses)). She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers". (Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration): 10).

19. "And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim (Abraham)) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in Faith." He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 260).

20. "We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they joined others in worship with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire and how evil is the abode of the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 151).

21. "Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad SAW). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)". (Surah Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

22. "And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones". (Surah Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

23. "(Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes." (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 12).

24. "Allah has forgiven the Prophet (SAW), the Muhajiroon (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (Muslims of Al-Madinah) who followed him (Muhammad SAW) in the time of distress (Tabook expedition, etc.), after the hearts of a party of them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentence):117).

25. "Then after him We sent Messengers to their people, they brought them clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus We seal the hearts of the transgressors (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and disobey Him)". (Surah Yûnus (Jonah): 74).

26. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surah Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

27. "Thus do We let it (polytheism and disbelief) enter into the hearts of the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, pagans, etc. (because of their mockery at the Messengers))". (Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract): 12).

28. "Thus it is. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart". (Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 32).

29. "Have they not travelled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind". (Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 46).

30. "Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the Remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue), nor from performing AsSalat (Iqamat-as-Salat), nor from giving the Zakat. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection)". (Surah An-Nûr (The Light): 37).

31. "Thus have We caused it (the denial of the Qur’an) to enter the hearts of the Moojrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.)". (Surah Ash-Shu'arâ (The Poets): 200).

32. "Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who know not (the proofs and evidence of the Oneness of Allah i.e. those who try not to understand true facts that which you (Muhammad SAW) have brought to them)". (Surah Ar-Rûm (The Romans): 59).

33. "And when Allah Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust (from the Oneness of Allah () and when those (whom they obey or worship) besides Him (like all false deities other than Allah, it may be a Messenger like Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), an angel, a pious man, a jinn, or any other creature even idols, graves of religious people, saints, priests, monks, etc.) are mentioned, behold, they rejoice!" (Surah Az-Zumar (The Groups): 45).

34. "Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?" (Surah Muhammad: 24).

35. "He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surah Al-Fath (The Victory): 4).

36. "Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allah therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surah Al-Hadîd (Iron): 27).

37. "(Some) hearts that Day will shake with fear and anxiety". (Surah An-Nâzi'ât (Those Who Pull Out): 8).

38. "If you two (wives of the Prophet SAW, namely Aishah and Hafsah ) turn in repentance to Allah, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet SAW likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad SAW), then verily, Allah is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers". (Surah At-Tahrîm (The Prohibition): 4).

39. "Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 74).

40. "Allah will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 225).

41. "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allahs Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 103).

42. "Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 126).

43. "Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is AllKnower of what is in (your) breasts". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 154).

44. "Say (to the disbelievers): "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - an ilah (a god) other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how variously We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), yet they turn aside". (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 46).

45. "Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 10).

46. "(Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions, etc.) of Shaitan (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 11).

47. "O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: "If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 70).

48. "Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah. But if you know not their fathers (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawaleekum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 5).

49. "You (O Muhammad SAW) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive whom you will. And whomsoever you desire of those whom you have set aside (her turn temporarily), it is no sin on you (to receive her again), that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieved, and may all be pleased with what you give them. Allah knows what is in your hearts. And Allah is Ever AllKnowing, Most Forbearing". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 51).

50. "O you who believe! Enter not the Prophets houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allahs Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 53).

51. "Nay, but you thought that the Messenger (SAW) and the believers would never return to their families; and that was made fair-seeming in their hearts, and you did think an evil thought and you became a useless people going for destruction." (Surah Al-Fath (The Victory): 12).

52. "And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah (SAW). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger SAW) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones," (Surah Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 7).

53. "The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, We have surrendered (in Islam), for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger (SAW), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 14).

54. "And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allahs Word)." Nay, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 88).

55. "(They say): "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." (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 8).

56. Because of their breaking the covenant, and of their rejecting the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and of their killing the Prophets unjustly, and of their saying: "Our hearts are wrapped (with coverings, i.e. we do not understand what the Messengers say)" - nay, Allah has set a seal upon their hearts because of their disbelief, so they believe not but a little. (Surah An-Nisâ' (The Women): 155).

57. "They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses." (Surah Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 113).

58. "And they say: "Our hearts are under coverings (screened) from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a screen, so work you (on your way); verily, we are working (on our way)." (Surah Fussilat (They are explained in detail): 5).

59. "And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful". (Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering): 10).

60. "Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 7).

61. "In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 10).

62. "And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers." (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 93).

63. "And those who have no knowledge say: "Why does not Allah speak to us (face to face) or why does not a sign come to us?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike, We have indeed made plain the signs for people who believe with certainty". (Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 118).

64. "It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur’an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book (and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraid (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)); and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 7).

65. "O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed," so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is All Seer of what you do". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 156).

66. "And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allah or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 167).

67. "They (hypocrites) are those of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts; so turn aside from them (do not punish them) but admonish them, and speak to them an effective word (i.e. to believe in Allah, worship Him, obey Him, and be afraid of Him) to reach their innerselves". (Surah An-Nisâ' (The Women): 63).

68. "So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinoon". (Surah Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 13).

69. "O Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Let not those who hurry to fall into disbelief grieve you, of such who say: "We believe" with their mouths but their hearts have no faith. And of the Jews are men who listen much and eagerly to lies - listen to others who have not come to you. They change the words from their places; they say, "If you are given this, take it, but if you are not given this, then beware!" And whomsoever Allah wants to put in Al-Fitnah (error, because of his rejecting the Faith), you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not want to purify (from disbelief and hypocrisy); for them there is a disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a great torment". (Surah Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 41).

70. "And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to their friendship, saying: "We fear lest some misfortune of a disaster may befall us." Perhaps Allah may bring a victory or a decision according to His Will. Then they will become regretful for what they have been keeping as a secret in themselves". (Surah Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 52).

71. "And of them there are some who listen to you; but We have set veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they see every one of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) they will not believe therein; to the point that when they come to you to argue with you, the disbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the men of old." (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 25).

72. "When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitan (Satan) made fairseeming to them that which they used to do". (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 43).

73. "Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?" (Surah Al-A'râf (The Height): 100).

74. "The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’an) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);" (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 2).

75. "When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease (of disbelief) said: "These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion." But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 49).

76. "And He has united their (i.e. believers) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 63).

77. "How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):8).

78. "And remove the anger of their (believers) hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):15).

79. "It is only those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihad). So in their doubts they waver". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):45).

80. "As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allahs Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):60).

81. "The hypocrites fear lest a Soorah (chapter of the Qur’an) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allah will bring to light all that you fear." (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):64).

82. "So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):77).

83. "They are content to be with those (the women) who sit behind (at home). Their hearts are sealed up (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance), so they understand not". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):83).

84. "The ground (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance) so that they know not (what they are losing)". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):93).

85. "The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy and doubt in their hearts, unless their hearts are cut to pieces. (i.e. till they die). And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):110).

86. "But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):125).

87. "And whenever there comes down a Soorah (chapter from the Qur’an), they look at one another (saying): "Does any one see you?" Then they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts (from the light) because they are a people that understand not". (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):127).

88. "And Moosa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Firaun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment." (Surah Yûnus (Jonah): 88).

89. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surah Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

90. "Your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allah), and they are proud". (Surah An-Nahl (The Bees): 22).

91. "They are those upon whose hearts, hearing (ears) and sight (eyes) Allah has set a seal. And they are the heedless!" (Surah An-Nahl (The Bees): 108).

92. "And We have put coverings over their hearts lest, they should understand it (the Qur’an), and in their ears deafness. And when you make mention of your Lord Alone (La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) Islamic Monotheism ()) in the Qur’an, they turn on their backs, fleeing in extreme dislikeness". (Surah Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by Night): 46).

93. "And We made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of Faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings, etc.) when they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief". (Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): 14).

94. "And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, but turns away from them forgetting what (deeds) his hands have sent forth. Truly, We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this (the Qur’an), and in their ears, deafness. And if you (O Muhammad SAW) call them to guidance, even then they will never be guided". (Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): 57).

95. "With their hearts occupied (with evil things) those who do wrong, conceal their private counsels, (saying): "Is this (Muhammad SAW) more than a human being like you? Will you submit to magic while you see it?" (Surah Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets): 3).

96. "Whose hearts are filled with fear when Allah is mentioned; who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities); and who perform AsSalat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and who spend (in Allahs Cause) out of what We have provided them". (Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 35).

97. "That He (Allah) may make what is thrown in by Shaitan (Satan) a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy and disbelief) and whose hearts are hardened. And certainly, the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) are in an opposition far-off (from the truth against Allahs Messenger and the believers)". (Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 53).

98. "And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (this Qur’an) is the truth from your Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may submit to it with humility. And verily, Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Path". (Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 54).

99. "And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning)". (Al-Mu'minûn (The Believers): 60).

100. "Nay, but their hearts are covered from (understanding) this (the Qur’ân), and they have other (evil) deeds, besides, which they are doing". (Al-Mu'minûn (The Believers): 63).

101. "Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt or fear lest Allah and His Messenger (SAW) should wrong them in judgement. Nay, it is they themselves who are the Zalimoon (polytheists, hypocrites and wrong-doers, etc.)". (Surah An-Nûr (The Light): 50).

102. "And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said: "Allah and His Messenger (SAW) promised us nothing but delusions!" (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 12).

103. "And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them (the disbelievers) Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 26).

104. "If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease (evil desire for adultery, etc.), and those who spread false news among the people in AlMadinah, cease not, We shall certainly let you overpower them, then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbours but a little while". (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 60).

105. "Is he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is in light from His Lord (as he who is non-Muslim)? So, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah! They are in plain error!" (Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops):22).

106. "Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur’an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide" (Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops):23).

107."And among them are some who listen to you (O Muhammad SAW) till, when they go out from you, they say to those who have received knowledge: "What has he said just now? Such are men whose hearts Allah has sealed, and they follow their lusts (evil desires)". (Surah Muhammad: 16).

108."Those who believe say: "Why is not a Soorah (chapter of the Qur’an) sent down (for us)? But when a decisive Soorah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting (Jihad holy fighting in Allahs Cause) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with a look of one fainting to death. But it was better for them (hypocrites, to listen to Allah and to obey Him)". (Surah Muhammad: 20)

109."Or do those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy), think that Allah will not bring to light all their hidden ill-wills?". (Surah Muhammad: 29).

110 "Those of the bedouins who lagged behind will say to you: "Our possessions and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with Allah, if He intends you hurt or intends you benefit? Nay, but Allah is Ever All-Aware of what you do" (Surah Al-Fath (The victory):11).

111. " Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave their Baia (pledge) to you (O Muhammad SAW) under the tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory, " (Surah Al-Fath (The victory):18).

112. "When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance, then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon His Messenger (SAW) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything" (Surah Al-Fath (The victory):26).

113. "Verily! Those who lower their voices in the presence of Allahs Messenger (SAW), they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward" (Surah Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings):3).

114. "Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allahs Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)" (Surah Al-Hadid (The Iron):16).

115. "You (O Muhammad SAW) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the successful" (Surah Al-Mujadilah (The Woman Who Disputes):22).

116. "He it is Who drove out the disbelievers among the people of the Scripture (i.e. the Jews of the tribe of Banee An-Nadeer) from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think that they would get out. And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But Allahs (Torment) reached them from a place whereof they expected it not, and He cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their own dwellings with their own hands and the hands of the believers. Then take admonition, O you with eyes (to see)"(Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering):2).

117. "They fight not against you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is very great. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided, that is because they are a people who understand not" (Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering):14).

118. "And (remember) when Moosa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Why do you hurt me while you know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allah to you? So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allah guides not the people who are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)"(Surah As-Saff (The Row): 5).

119. "That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not" (Surah Al-Munâfiqûn (The Hypocrites):3).

120 "And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may arrive at a certainty (that this Qur’an is the truth as it agrees with their Books i.e. their number (19) is written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) and the believers may increase in Faith (as this Qur’an is the truth) and that no doubts may be left for the people of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: "What Allah intends by this (curious) example ?" Thus Allah leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind" (Surah Al-Muddaththir (The One Enveloped):31).

121. "Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn" (Surah Al-Mutaffifin (Those Who Deal In Fraud):14).

122. " O you who believe! Enter not the Prophets houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allahs Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity" (Surah Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates):53).

123. "And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. ones saying: "I have seen," while in fact he has not seen, or "I have heard," while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah)" (Surah Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by night):36).

124. "And the heart of the mother of Moosa (Moses) became empty (from every thought, except the thought of Moosa (Moses)). She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers" (Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration):10)

125. "The (Prophets) heart lied not (in seeing) what he (Muhammad SAW) saw." (Surah An-Najm (The Star):11).

126. "And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad SAW) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Qur’an) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers"(Surah Hud (Prophet Hud):120).

127. "And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet SAW in 23 years.)" (Surah Al-Furqân (The Criterion): 32)

128. "(And this is in order) that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline to such (deceit), and that they may remain pleased with it, and that they may commit what they are committing (all kinds of sins and evil deeds, etc.)" (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 113).

129. "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Kabah at Makkah); in order, O our Lord, that they may perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks" (Surah Ibrahim:37 )

130. "And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah)"(Surah An-Nahl (The Bees):78)

131. "It is He, Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), sight (eyes), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give"(Surah Al-Mu'minûn (The Believers):78).

132. "Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him the soul (created by Allah for that person), and He gave you hearing (ears), sight (eyes) and hearts. Little is the thanks you give!" (Surah As-Sajdah (The Prostration):9).

133. "And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allahs Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!"(Surah Al-Ahqâf (The Curved Sand-hills):26)

134. "Say it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts. Little thanks you give" (Surah Al-Mulk (Dominion):23).

135. "Which leaps up over the hearts," (Surah Al-Humazah (The Slanderer): 7).

136. "And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked before you, but their scoffers were surrounded by the very thing that they used to mock at". (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 10).

137. "(They will be) hastening forward with necks outstretched, their heads raised up (towards the sky), their gaze returning not towards them and their hearts empty (from thinking because of extreme fear)". (Surah Ibrahîm (Abraham): 43).

138. "And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allahs Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!" (Surah Al-Ahqâf (The Curved Sand-hills): 26).

139. "Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment". (Surah An-Nahl (The Bees): 106).

140. (This is the) Book (the Qur'an) sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW), so let not your breast be narrow therefrom, that you warn thereby, and a reminder unto the believers.

141. "So perchance you (Muhammad SAW) may give up a part of what is revealed unto you, and that your breast feels straitened for it because they say, "Why has not a treasure been sent down unto him, or an angel has come with him?" But you are only a Warner. And Allah is a Wakeel (Disposer of affairs, Trustee, Guardian, etc.) over all things". (Surah Hûd (Prophet Hûd): 12).

142. "Indeed, We know that your breast is straitened at what they say". (Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract): 97).

143. "Have We not opened your breast for you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him))?" (Ash-Sharh (The Opening Forth): 1).

144. "And whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allah puts the wrath on those who believe not". (Surah Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 125).

145. "Is he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is in light from His Lord (as he who is non-Muslim)? So, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah! They are in plain error!" (Surah Az-Zumar (The Groups): 22).

146. (Moosa (Moses)) said: "O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). (Surah Tâ-Hâ: 25).

147. "And my breast straitens, and my tongue expresses not well. So send for Haroon (Aaron) (to come along with me). (Surah Ash-Shu'arâ (The Poets): 13).

148. "Lo! You are the ones who love them but they love you not, and you believe in all the Scriptures (i.e. you believe in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), while they disbelieve in your Book, the Qur’an). And when they meet you, they say, "We believe". But when they are alone, they bite the tips of their fingers at you in rage. Say: "Perish in your rage. Certainly, Allah knows what is in the breasts (all the secrets)." (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 119).

149. "Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is AllKnower of what is in (your) breasts". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 154).

150. "And remember Allahs Favour upon you and His Covenant with which He bound you when you said: "We hear and we obey." And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is AllKnower of the secrets of (your) breasts". (Surah Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 7).

151. "(And remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your (i.e. Muhammads SAW) dream, if He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would surely have disputed in making a decision. But Allah saved (you). Certainly, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts". (Surah Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 43).

152. "Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people," (Surah At-Taubah (The Repentance):14).

153. "O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur'an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers". (Surah Yûnus (Jonah): 57).

154. "No doubt! They did fold up their breasts, that they may hide from Him. Surely, even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Verily, He is the All-Knower of the (innermost secrets) of the breasts". (Surah Hûd (Prophet Hûd): 5).

155. "Of mankind are some who say: "We believe in Allah," but if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allahs punishment, and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily! We were with you (helping you)." Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breast of the Alameen (mankind and jinns)". (Surah Al-'Ankabût (The Spider): 10).

156. "Nay, but they, the clear Ayat (i.e the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad SAW written like verses in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (from the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)". (Surah Al-'Ankabût (The Spider): 49).

157. "And whoever disbelieved, let not his disbelief grieve you (O Muhammad SAW),. to Us is their return, and We shall inform them what they have done. Verily, Allah is the AllKnower of what is in the breasts (of men)." (Surah Luqmân (Luqmân): 23).

158. "You (O Muhammad SAW) are only a warner (i.e. your duty is to convey Allahs Message to mankind but the guidance is in Allahs Hand)". (Surah Fâtir (The Originator): 23).

159. "If you disbelieve, then verily, Allah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, so He will inform you what you used to do. Verily, He is the All-Knower of that which is in (mens) breasts". (Surah Az-Zumar (The Groups): 7).

160. "Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal". (Surah Ghafir (The Forgiver): 19).

161. "Or say they: "He has invented a lie against Allah?" If Allah willed, He could have sealed your heart (so that you forget all that you know of the Qur’an). And Allah wipes out falsehood, and establishes the truth (Islam) by His Word (this Qur’an). Verily, He knows well what (the secrets) are in the breasts (of mankind)". (Surah Ash-Shûra (The Consultation): 24).

162. "He merges night into day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added into the hours of the day), and merges day into night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added into the hours of the night), and He has full knowledge of whatsoever is in the breasts". (Surah Al-Hadîd (Iron): 6).

163. "He knows what is in the heavens and on earth, and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal. And Allah is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men)". (Surah At-Taghâbun (Mutual Loss and Gain): 4).

164. "And whether you keep your talk secret or disclose it, verily, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men)". (Surah Al-Mulk (Dominion): 13).

165. "And that which is in the breasts (of men) shall be made known". (Surah Al-'Adiyât (Those That Run): 10).

166. "Who whispers in the breasts of mankind," (Surah An-Nâs (Mankind): 5).

167. "Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is Able to do all things." (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 29).

168. "Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is AllKnower of what is in (your) breasts". (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 154).

169. "Or some created thing that is yet greater (or harder) in your breasts (thoughts to be resurrected, even then you shall be resurrected)" Then, they will say: "Who shall bring us back (to life)?" Say: "He Who created you first!" Then, they will shake their heads at you and say: "When will that be?" Say: "Perhaps it is near!" (Surah Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by Night): 51).

170. "And you have (many other) benefits from them, and that you may reach by their means a desire that is in your breasts (i.e. carry your goods, loads, etc.), and on them and on ships you are carried". (Surah Ghâfir (The Forgiver): 80).

171. "O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand." (Surah Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 118).

172. "Except those who join a group, between you and whom there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with their breasts restraining from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. Had Allah willed, indeed He would have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they withdraw from you, and fight not against you, and offer you peace, then Allah has opened no way for you against them". (Surah An-Nisâ' (The Women): 90).

173. "And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has guided us to this, never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allah had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth." And it will be cried out to them: "This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do." (Surah Al-A'râf (The Height): 43).

174. "No doubt! They did fold up their breasts, that they may hide from Him. Surely, even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Verily, He is the All-Knower of the (innermost secrets) of the breasts". (Surah Hûd (Prophet Hûd): 5).

175. "And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones". (Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract): 47).

176. "And verily, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they reveal". (Surah An-Naml (The Ants): 74).

177. "And your Lord knows what their breasts conceal, and what they reveal". (Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration): 69).

178. "Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride (to accept you (Muhammad SAW) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you). They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad SAW from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer". (Surah Ghâfir (The Forgiver): 56).

179. "And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banee An-Nadeer), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful". (Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering): 9).

180. "Verily, you (believers in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) are more awful as a fear in their (Jews of Banee An-Nadeer) breasts than Allah. That is because they are a people who comprehend not (the Majesty and Power of Allah)". (Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering): 13).

Thus the Glorious Qur'an, has emphasized in more than (180) of its verses the fact that the human heart is a sentient organ that has its own form of intelligence, and hence, can play an important role in the mental, spiritual and emotional activates of the individual. This is a precedence to all the humanly acquired knowledge by more than (1400) years. It has been very recently discovered that heart transplant patients who receive a heart from another person's body, also receive some of his or her personal memoirs, talents, likes and dislikes. Heart recipients have reported inheriting many things from the donor's knowledge and experiences to his or her food carvings (e.g. Paul Pearsall, 2002- 2008).

Such observations have indicated that the human heart has its own intelligence that is manifested in having the capacity to process the necessary information about both the human body and the outside world surrounding it, through what Pearsall calls an "info- energetic code". Such a code is described as a profuse network of blood vessels and cells that serve not only as our circulatory system, but as an energy information gathering and distributing system, much like a complex telephone network. The Qur'anic descriptions of the human heart, more than (1400) years ago is more precise, integral and comprehensive as describes the human heart as being hard or soft, prefect or imperfect, arrogant or considerate, repenting or conceited, knowing or ignoble, open or sealed, good or evil, believing or disbelieving, submissive or obstinate, observant or negligent, healthy or diseased, guided or misguided, confident or different, fearful or fearless, comprehending or non-comprehending, peaceful or terrified, factual or disillusioned, penitent or adamant, pious or impious, intellectual or unintellectual, perceiving or non-perceiving, seeing or blind, cognizant or ignorant, stable or unstable, stamped or unstamped, amiable or hatful (repugnant), sealed or unsealed, locked or unlocked, kind and merciful or unkind an merciless, quiet or agitated, clear or perturbed, hard (stony) and cruel or soft and kind, capable of acquiring good deeds or evil ones.

Such qualities and much more far exceed what has been very recently disclosed by cardiologists, and testify for the fact that the Noble Qur'an cannot be but the word of the creator in its divine purity, and that Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) is the seal of that long chain of Prophets and Messenger sent by our Creator for the guidance of man.

Source: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar [External/non-QP]