Why does the Quran speak more about the heart than the brain?

The Holy Quran, as a divine revelation and a guide for humanity, uses a profound, meaningful language that resonates with its audience to convey the truths of existence. One of the striking aspects in this sacred book is its extensive emphasis on the term "qalb" (heart) and its numerous applications, compared to the absence of direct mention of the "brain" as the center of thought and intellect in the modern scientific sense. This distinction is rooted in the Quran's holistic view of humanity, as well as the cultural and linguistic context of its revelation. In the Quran, the word "qalb" (plural: qulub) is used over 130 times, carrying a meaning far beyond that of a mere physical organ responsible for pumping blood. In Quranic discourse, "qalb" is considered the center of perception, understanding, faith, will, emotions, intentions, and spiritual insight. In essence, the Quran regards the "qalb" as the comprehensive locus of human faculties, encompassing intellect ('aql), consciousness (shu'ur), emotions ('awaṭif), and even the soul (ruh). This term is used not only for rational comprehension but also for believing, inclination, volition, and as the core of human spiritual and moral transformations. This is why the Quran speaks of "sound hearts" (qalb salim) and "diseased hearts" (qalb marid), referring to spiritual and moral health or illness, rather than just physical well-being. This distinction highlights that the Quran seeks to portray a comprehensive picture of human existence, where spiritual dimensions often take precedence over purely physical ones. The reasons for this Quranic emphasis on the heart are multifaceted: Firstly, **Linguistic and Cultural Context:** During the time of the Quran's revelation, and in many ancient cultures and languages, including Arabic, the "heart" was widely understood as the primary center for all inner human functions, including thought, emotions, will, and intelligence. The modern scientific concept of the "brain" as the central organ for thinking and information processing was not developed, and such precise medical distinctions did not exist. The Quran communicates in a language that was comprehensible to its primary audience, conveying profound truths through familiar concepts. The use of the term "qalb" had a direct connection to the common understanding of that era, allowing complex concepts to be easily grasped. This approach broadened the scope and impact of the divine message. Secondly, **The Quran's Holistic and Spiritual Approach:** The Quran views humanity not merely as a physical body or a collection of physical organs, but as a comprehensive being with both material and spiritual dimensions. From this perspective, the "qalb" is not just a logical brain, but a place where faith takes root, where piety (taqwa) and humility (khushu') manifest, and from where the path to guidance or misguidance originates. The "qalb" is the point where human beings connect with God and grasp divine truths. Verses like, "Have they not traveled through the land and have hearts by which to reason?" (Al-Hajj, 22:46) illustrate that true understanding, leading to insight and guidance, occurs within the heart. This 'reasoning' in the Quran goes beyond dry logical argumentation and includes inner insight and intuition, which are only attained through the heart's purity and readiness. Thirdly, **The Heart's Role in Guidance and Misguidance:** The Quran clearly states that human guidance and misguidance begin in the heart. The heart can be "locked" (Muhammad, 47:24), preventing reflection on divine verses, or it can be "sealed" (Al-Baqarah, 2:7), hindering the acceptance of truth. This sealing or locking does not imply a cessation of logical thinking, but rather the loss of the capacity to accept spiritual truths and inner insight. This state usually arises due to continuous sins, heedlessness, and turning away from the remembrance of God. Conversely, awakened and perceptive hearts comprehend divine light and incline towards truth and righteousness. This emphasis on the heart underscores the importance of human spiritual and moral choices, which originate from within and determine one's ultimate destiny. Fourthly, **The Origin of Intention and Will:** Human actions in Islam are judged based on their intentions (niyyah), and intentions reside solely in the heart. The purity or impurity of an act depends on the sincerity or lack thereof of the intention, and this intention is formed in the heart. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, "Actions are by intentions." This noble Hadith highlights the immense importance of heartfelt intention in evaluating human deeds. Therefore, focusing on the heart emphasizes the purification of one's inner being and disposition, which is the root and foundation of all good and bad deeds, ensuring worldly and eternal prosperity. In conclusion, the Quranic usage of the term "qalb" teaches us that true understanding is not merely achieved through information processing in the brain; it requires an inner insight and spiritual openness located within the "qalb." The "qalb" in the Quran symbolizes the human soul, which can ascend to the heights of spiritual knowledge and proximity to God, or descend into the depths of ignorance and heedlessness. This existential core is primarily responsible for choosing one's path in life and perceiving God's signs. Thus, by emphasizing the "qalb," the Quran invites a deeper comprehension of human existence, encompassing interwoven spiritual, intellectual, and emotional dimensions, and not limiting itself to the mere physical function of the brain. This perspective paves the way for human spiritual and moral elevation, leading one towards self-purification and inner refinement to attain perfection and divine pleasure. This comprehensive nature of "qalb" in the Quran makes it the most central concept for explaining the spiritual and cognitive dimensions of human beings.