By
Rana Rais Khan – Editor-in-Chief, Hiba magazine
Ibrahim At Tawejri, a scholar of Madinah, in his book about Fiqh-ul-Quloob (Understanding of the hearts) defines at length, the real purpose of a human heart. The human heart is the king of all organs in our body. It also assumes a leadership role spiritually. Meaning that whatever your heart contains, the limbs follow it. Why is it so? Because, Allah (swt) had created the heart as a vessel of remembrance, awe, love and fear of Him. The Qalb was meant to understand and ponder upon the Ayat (signs) of its Creator. Signs that were revealed as divine scripture such as the Quran and the signs in the creation scattered all around us. Naturally elaborate arrangement has been made by Allah (swt) to keep the heart functioning at its optimum level.
Allah (swt) Ar Razzaq, the Provider states in the Quran: “And indeed, it is Allah who is the best of Providers.” (Al Hajj 22:58)
Allah (swt) has allocated two types of nourishments for human hearts for their sustenance, growth and maintenance of life in the world. They are tangible as well as intangible in nature:
- Tangible nourishment
A human heart requires blood to keep it alive. This blood circulates throughout the body to keep it active when the heart pumps it. The source of blood is food and drink that is tangible that humans consume. Three meals are sufficient for the human body. This type of Rizq is connected to the earth where it is produced and prepared. It is generally common for a Momin, Munafiq, Mushrik, Kaafir or an Atheist. It nourishes everyone’s body as per Allah Ar Razzaq’s mercy and favour upon mankind. It has nothing to do with their worship, obedience or actions in the world. Allah Ar Rabb has taken upon Himself to nurture and care for His entire creation.
- Intangible nourishment
A human heart also requires spiritual food to keep it alive. This is a much greater need for humans as they need it round the clock. As a result the intense joy, pleasure, tranquility, peace, contentment, humility and independence that it experiences in the world is connected to this Rizq. The intangible nourishment descends from the heavens from where it is revealed by Allah (swt) in the form of divine guidance (The Quran and the Sunnah). The disbeliever has no share in it as he has rejected the spiritual sustenance of Allah (swt). This Rizq is exclusively for the believer that joins him with the angels in this particular context as they both worship Allah (swt) through Allah’s (swt) Tasbeeh, Dhikr, Dua and following the Quran and the Sunnah.
Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Those who have believed and whose hearts, are assured by the remembrance of Allah unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured. Those who have believed and done righteous deeds – a good state is theirs and a good return.” (Ar Raad 13:28-29)
“And We sent down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrong doers in loss.” (Al Isra 17:82)
4 Sources of Intangible Rizq for the heart
- Seek knowledge about Allah’s (swt) Al Asma Wal Husna (Beautiful names and attributes)
The heart feels immense pleasure and calmness when we learn, think about or discuss about the majestic universal happenings and amazing management of Allah (swt). His beautiful names and attributes reassure us that we are in the best care of a Rubb, Who is Magnificent, Powerful and in Control. Not only that He is also Wise, Knowledgeable and Just in His decree. The more we learn about Allah (swt) the more we glorify Him. Our Tasbeeh of our Rubb fulfills us spiritually that becomes the prime source of our nourishment, just as it is food for the angels.
Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “O you who covers himself (with a garment) Arise and warn. And your Lord Glorify.” (Al Mudhathir 74:1-3)
There is no loss, pain, fear or disappointment that talking to Allah (swt) cannot fix. His lofty names and their meanings soothe an aching heart like none other. To know about Allah’s (swt) love, care and mercy is the best therapy and remedy that can be recommended to mankind.
- Seek knowledge about Allah’s (swt) Bounties and Favours
Learning about the endless blessings and gifts we receive by the second from Allah (swt) fills our heart with love, humility and respect of our Creator. Most of what we have was never asked for. It is also a one way street. We are the recipient of Allah’s (swt) bounties whereas we give nothing back to Him. He bestows us personalized and customized blessings that suit us entirely. His favours are also exclusive to what we need rather than what we want. This comprehension and knowledge nourishes our heart and reminds us frequently of His grand benevolence. We love to thank Allah (swt) in private and public. Allah (swt) appreciates a believer’s gratitude. This knowledge is primarily acquired again through the Quran and the Sunnah.
Allah (swt) commands in the Quran: “As for the favour of your Lord, report it.” (Ad Duha 93:11)
Allah (swt) loves those who mention His favours and thank and praise Him for them. He has promised to grant them more. The mindset of gratitude breeds optimism wherever you may be. It lifts up the ambience, motivates others and brings smiles to faces.
- Understand Allah’s (swt) Mercy and Rewards for the Obedient Slaves
Just as we long to go home after a long and tiring day at work, our heart longs to return to Jannah, the final abode full of delights after facing endless hardships and trials of the world. A believer reads about the opulent, luxurious, eternal and permanent dwellings that await him as a reward from the Merciful lord. This knowledge in itself becomes a sense of nourishment and healing in the most horrific worldly state. Remember what Aasiya, Firaun’s wife asked Allah (swt) as she was being brutally punished for her faith?
“… My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from the Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrong doing people.” (At Tahreem 66:11)
Just as we are about to travel, we start living there virtually by imagining it’s cuisine, it’s culture and comforts, like wise we should also start perceiving Jannah. How we will witness Allah’s (swt) Glorious Face, Listen to Him speak to us directly, be in the company of the prophets and the Sahabah, indulge in exotic delicacies and what the heart fancies, etc.
- Understand Allah’s (swt) Anger and Wrath for the disobedient Slaves
The prescribed punishments of Dunya, Barzakh and Aakhirah soften a believer’s heart and motivate him to save himself just as a fire warning enables people to take the fire exit to stay safe. These forewarned Ayahs of Allah (swt) are a sign of His Mercy again so people pay heed while there is time to mend ways.
Interestingly this nourishment only benefits a believer as Allah (swt) is Al Ghani, the Self-Sufficient. Our thanks, worship, obedience does not elevate Allah’s (swt) status as He is the Highest. This spiritual sustenance ensures our emotional, mental and physical well-being in the world. Our conscious obedience and strife on the path of Allah (swt) makes us deserving of salvation from the hell fire in the next world.
Just as we consume junk food and it negatively impacts our physical body, similarly if we use our mind, eyes, ears and tongue for useless, indecent, wasteful, non-productive content, it sickens our heart. As Dr.Bilal Philips said: “Garbage in, garbage out.”
It is imperative that our content of discussion and nourishment must improve. It must be guided by the Quran and the Sunnah to keep it elevated, beneficial and rewarding.
Make Dua
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِ قَلْبِي و سَدِّدْ لِسَاني وَاسْلُلْ سَخِيمَةَ صَدْرِي
Oh My Lord! Guide my heart, Make my tongue true and Draw out malice in my breast (Abu Dawood)
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