A Heart Connected to Allah

        
Know that Allah made the hearts as mirrors of human nature and human character. If the heart is sound, then a person’s life will be sound as well, and vice versa. Allah Almighty told us that He does not accept people’s deeds unless they are accompanied by a sound heart. Thus, it is proven that a heart connected to Allah is the way to salvation from the punishment of Allah on the Day of Judgment. All hearts will be tested by the many temptations presented by the enjoyments of life, bad people, and Satan. This is part of man’s destiny. These tests take place to distinguish between people, as Allah said in Surah Al-Anfal, Ayah 37: ”In order that Allah may distinguish the wicked from the good.”

The Prophet Muhammad said: ”Temptations will be presented to men’s hearts as a reed mat is woven, stick by stick, and any heart which is impregnated by them will have a black mark put into it, but any heart which rejects them will have a white mark put into it. The result is that there will become two types of hearts: one white like a white stone, which will not be harmed by any turmoil or temptation, so long as the heavens and the earth endure; and the other black and dust-coloured like a vessel which is upset, not recognizing what is good or rejecting what is abominable, but being impregnated with passion.”

For this reason, our scholars wrote books and gave lessons to Muslims, explaining how we can develop a sound and healthy heart, how we can purify our hearts once they become corrupted, and how we can become connected to Allah.

Recognizing the Illness and Seeking Healing Through Knowledge

Every journey of healing starts with recognizing the illness and acknowledging it. When a Muslim realizes that he is being driven by Satan or a specific desire, he needs to know that this can be a sign of righteousness. It means that his heart and inner self still fear Allah; consequently, he can take a step back and figure out the best way to fix this situation.

Muslims must believe in Allah’s Mercy and never lose hope. Allah says in Surah Yusuf, Ayah 87: ”Despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people” (وَلَا تَيْأَسُوا مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يَيْأَسُ مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكَافِرُونَ).

It is Allah who legislates the virtue of struggling against one’s desires, and He has promised us success and support. Allah does not leave His believers alone. What was mentioned above is in accordance with a sound Islamic doctrine, and the core of this doctrine is confessing the Oneness of Allah. For Allah, we should struggle, fight, leave, live, love, and hate.

This journey can go well if it is supported by knowledge. The knowledge that every Muslim must acquire always starts with the Quran. You cannot establish a strong connection with Allah if you are ignorant of the One to whom you are directed. It is Allah whom you want to please and for whose sake you want to purify your heart. All your answers can be found in the Surahs and Ayahs of the Quran (chapters and verses). The Quran will enlighten your heart. It will speak to you about your inner self and guide you when you are lost. It can even guard you against temptations. Learning the words of Allah must be your first step on your way to Him.

Protecting the Heart from Temptations

There is a crystal-clear fact that we are all surrounded by: living every day in this life is a huge challenge for anyone who wants to preserve a sound heart. When your heart is exposed to filthy temptations many times a day, it becomes very difficult to avoid them, and the battle rages on. They can be found on the streets, on social media websites, in workplaces, etc. Everything around you tries so hard to draw you into its net and make you lose your faith and your believing heart.

The Prophet Muhammad gave us valuable advice that can serve as a fortress for us. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, but between them are certain doubtful things which many people do not know. So he who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and his honour blameless. But he who falls into doubtful things falls into that which is unlawful.”

Safety starts with avoiding temptations rather than challenging them. Muslims need to know that weakness is part of their nature. Know that going astray is a slow process; it does not happen overnight. Your heart is your real wealth in this life. For that reason, the Prophet Muhammad taught us to avoid all doubtful things if we want to keep our religion strong.

Physical Acts of Worship to Connect to Allah

Worship of the heart and physical acts of worship go hand in hand if you want to strengthen your connection with Allah. Your physical acts of worship start with the five daily prayers. Prayer is the second pillar of Islam, and it represents your identity as a Muslim. You show your absolute submission to Allah by performing your five daily prayers.

In fact, we can say that these five prayers are a gift from Allah to us, as they reinforce our faith, purify the heart, and are a means of forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The similitude of the five (obligatory) Salat is like a river running at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day.” Your five prayers can wash your sins away and compensate for your shortcomings.

Also, you can elevate your Iman through Nawafil prayers (non-obligatory prayers). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory (fard) prayers is prayer at night and the best fasting after the month of Ramadan is Al-Muharram.” The Hadith shows some examples of how to get closer to Allah. Allah Almighty has gifted us with many ways to worship Him and draw closer to Him according to our different capabilities, helping us make up for our shortcomings. May Allah bless us in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of Hell.