it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt.’ It is not the eye, the nose, the tongue, the hand, the foot, the liver, or any other limb; it is the heart. For that reason the Messenger ﷺ would often supplicate, ‘O Controller of the hearts, keep our hearts firm upon Your religion. O Director of the hearts, turn our hearts toward obedience to You.’

A person’s entire well-being or ruin hinges on the heart. Therefore, dear Muslim, you must give the soundness of your heart the utmost attention. A pleasant outward appearance and righteous bodily deeds are good, yet the real issue—every issue—lies in the rectification of the heart. Concerning the hypocrites Allah says, ‘When you see them, their appearance impresses you, and when they speak, you listen to their words’ (Surah al-Munāfiqūn 63:4). ‘When you see them, their appearance impresses you’ refers to their fine outward form and the seemingly pious acts performed by their limbs; and when they speak, they speak with words that are attractive and adorned. Yet their hearts are in ruins—Allah protect us—‘they are like propped-up pieces of timber’ (63:4); there is no good in them.

So, give careful attention to the heart’s reform. Examine your heart: is there any trace of shirk (associating partners with Allah)? Any dislike for what Allah has revealed? Any aversion toward Allah’s righteous servants? Any leaning toward the disbelievers? Any alliance with them? Any envy, malice, or rancor? These and many other grave diseases lodge in hearts—purify yours from them and set it right, for everything depends on it.

‘Does he then not know—when whatever is in the graves is scattered abroad, and whatever is in the breasts is laid bare—that their Lord…’