How Do I Know If My Heart Is Alive?

In the exalted teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of a “living heart” transcends a mere biological meaning; rather, it refers to a state of profound awareness, spiritual awakening, and an unbreakable bond with the absolute truth, which is Allah Almighty. In the Quranic view, the heart is the center of perception, faith, and the compass of human guidance. When we speak of a heart being alive, we mean a heart that is far removed from heedlessness, hardness, and ignorance, and is ready to receive divine light and heavenly guidance. This spiritual vitality not only impacts an individual's mental and spiritual well-being but also transforms the quality of their life in this world and the hereafter. The Holy Quran, through numerous verses, reveals the signs of this spiritual life and illustrates the path to achieving it. One of the most prominent signs of a living heart is the tranquility and assurance that comes from the remembrance of Allah. The Quran explicitly states in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: “الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ” (Those who believe, and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.) This key verse is not just a symptom, but a fundamental principle for the heart’s vitality. A heart intertwined with the remembrance of Allah remains safe from worldly anxieties and turbulences, constantly connected to the source of eternal peace. Remembrance (Dhikr) does not merely mean uttering words; it includes reflecting on divine verses, sincere prayers, reciting the Quran with contemplation, and understanding Allah's continuous presence in all aspects of life. The deeper and more continuous this heartfelt remembrance, the more luminous and alive the heart will be. This inner peace is a sign of the heart's harmony with the divine will and its acceptance of Allah’s decrees. Another sign is the heart's responsiveness to the verses of the Quran and divine signs. The Holy Quran is the living word of Allah, and for living hearts, it is a healing and guidance. In Surah Muhammad, verse 24, it states: “أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا” (Do they not then ponder over the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts?) A living heart is one that submits to the verses of the Quran, listens attentively to it, contemplates its meanings, and is influenced by it. For such a heart, hearing divine verses is not just a dry, soulless recitation, but a window to truth and deeper insight that increases faith and motivates action. In contrast, locked or dead hearts are incapable of understanding these messages, and divine verses appear to them as meaningless words. This contemplation signifies intellectual effort, deep thought, and a strive to comprehend and implement profound divine messages in one's life. Furthermore, a living heart, upon hearing the name and remembrance of Allah, experiences awe and trepidation, and its faith increases. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2, it is stated: “إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ” (The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.) This 'wajal' (trepidation) signifies a fear combined with reverence and awe, which keeps a person away from sin and guides them towards piety. This is not the fear of an executioner, but the fear of disregarding the Creator's majesty and falling short in fulfilling His rights. A heart that trembles upon hearing Allah's name is a heart that has perceived His presence and is aware of His greatness. This trembling is a sign of spiritual sensitivity and tenderness that steadfastly keeps a person on the path of servitude. A living heart is also overflowing with the love of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, a love that surpasses any other worldly affection. A heart that is attached to Allah demonstrates this attachment in its actions and behavior: in patience during difficulties, in gratitude for blessings, in abstaining from sins, and in striving to do good deeds. This heart constantly seeks the pleasure of its Lord and seeks guidance from Him. Other signs of a living heart include a sense of responsibility towards others, a desire for kindness and benevolence, avoidance of envy, malice, and arrogance, and the ability to repent and return from mistakes. A living heart is continuously growing and evolving spiritually, drawing closer to Allah day by day. This path is a continuous journey of self-purification and contemplation. To cultivate and maintain the vitality of the heart, it is essential to constantly engage in acts that nourish it: regular recitation and contemplation of the Quran, performing prayers with full presence of heart, constant remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah, seeking forgiveness and repentance from sins, pondering over creation and divine signs in the universe, and associating with the righteous while avoiding heedless gatherings. These are all tools that Allah has provided for us to keep our hearts alive and protect them from spiritual ailments. Ultimately, a living heart is one that, in every moment of life, sees Allah as present and observing, and aligns its actions according to His pleasure. This vitality is an unparalleled blessing that opens the doors to felicity in this world and the hereafter.