Opened/Expanded Heart.

[Abu Hafsat]

As-Salaam alaikum,

 In ayat 22 of Surat Zumar of the Holy Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala says:--

       "Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he has received Enlightenment

      from Allah, (no better than one hard-hearted)?

    Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the Praises of Allah!

  They are manifestly wandering (in error)!"  (39:22)

The Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alihi Wasallam, was asked about sharh as-Sadr and he said: "It is a light cast into the heart by which the chest is opened and expanded."

He was asked: "Is there a way of recognizing one who posses that light?"

He, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, responded: "Yes, [such people can be recognized by their] indifference the abode of delusions [ie the life of this world], their constant turning towards the abode of Eternity [the hereafter], and preparation for death before it arrives."

He was asked: "How does one prepare for death"?

He, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said: "Those of you who remember it the most are the best prepared for it."

                                                                  Source: 'Risalat Sharh as-Sadr', by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali.