Central Role of the Heart In Islamic Tradition

[Abu Hafsat]

As-Salaam alaikum, 

In a Hadith-Qudsi (sacred report), we have it where Allah Ta'ala says:-

 "Allah created Adam in His image (Khalaqa Allahu Adam Ala suratiHi)", narrated from Abu Hurayrah by both Bukhari & Muslim. 

The word image (sura) here refers to man's attributes, such as hearing, seeing, knowledge and so on. Hence, Adam was created possessing attributes by which Allah has also attributed to Himself with the difference being that those of Adam are contingent and relative, while the attributes of Allah are eternal and absolute. 

As we are aware, man in his creation, is also endowed with a heart in his body. This organ, the heart, is not simply the organ of emotions, feelings, desires, decisions or opinions, but also entails the soul, knowledge, bravery and more. 

As the seat of all cognitive activities, the heart is seen as the true essence of a human being, containing all levels of his inner being... and for the Prophets it is the place of Revelation itself. 

In view of this, we should strive to keep our hearts free, at peace and stable to always witness Allah, the Creator. Allah Ta'ala says, in Surat Ra'ad of the Qur'an:--

 "Verily, in the Remembrance of Allah hearts do find their rest." (13:28)

The Remembrance of Allah... Zikrullah, moisten the heart and cultivates tenderness in it. When the heart is bereft of Zikrullah, the heat of the nafs overtakes it, the fire of lust reaches it, the heart becomes barren and hard, and all the limbs refrain from obedience to Allah, Subhanahu WA Ta'ala.