Educational Articles About Islam, November , 2007

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7

Heart-Mind Relationship in the Holy Qur'an

By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

For the Muharram 29, 1429 (February 7, 2008) Friday Khutba

 

Introduction 

The Holy Quran refers to the heart as a processor of information, particularly concerning emotions. This reference to the heart as such attracts attention to the relationship between the mind and the heart. 

This article starts by listing down the verses that deal with the heart and explaining them, in order to sort out the mind-heart connection. Then, few academic articles about the subject will be reviewed in order to explore this relationship further, from a scientific perspective. 

Verses mentioning the heart in the Holy Quran 

Upon checking the Holy Quran index in Arabic,[1] this author found that there were about 132 verses in which the heart was mentioned in singular and plural forms. Here are some of them. 

The following translations of the meanings of the verses are Yusuf Alis except those in parentheses, which are by this author. 

ۖ

ۡ ٱۡۡ ٱ ۡ ۡۖ ٱۡ ۡۡ ٱۡۡۡ ۡ ۡۡ ٱۡۡۖ

Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted they would have broken away from about thee; so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-E-Imran (Chapter 3), Verse 159) 

ۡ ٱ ۡ۬ ۬

But only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Shuara (Chapter 26), Verse 89) 

ۡ ٱٰۡ ٱۡۡ ٓ ۡ۬

Who feared (Allah) Most Gracious unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him) 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Qaf (Chapter 50), Verse 33) 

ۡ ٱ ٰ ۡۦ ٱۡ

and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Baqara (Chapter 2), Verse 204) 

ۡ ٱٰۚ ڪۡۡ  ۥۤ ۬ ۡ 

Conceal not evidence (and testimony); for whoever conceals it his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knoweth all that ye do 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Baqara (Chapter 2), Verse 283) 

ۡ ۥ ۡٮٕۢ ٱٰۡ

his heart remaining firm in Faith 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Nahl (Chapter 16), Verse 106) 

ۡ ٱ ۡۦ ۬

lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Ahzab (Chapter 33), Verse 32) 

ۡۢ ٱ ۡ ۡ 

and if anyone believes in Allah, (Allah) guides his heart 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Taghabun (Chapter 64), Verse 11) 

ۡ ۡۖ ٰ ٰ ۡٮٕ ۡ

"Dost thou not then believe?" He said: "Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding." 

(My translation: He said: Havent you believed yet? He (Ibrahim) said: Yes, but to assure my heart). 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Baqara (Chapter 2), Verse 260) 

ٱ ۬ ۡۡ ۡۦۚ

Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Ahzab (Chapter 33), Verse 4) 

ۡ ٱ ٱۡ

Soon shall We cast (great fear) into the hearts of the unbelievers 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-E-Imran (Chapter 3), Verse 151) 

ٱ ۡٮٕ ۡ ٱۗ ڪۡ ٱ ۡٮٕ ٱۡ

Those who believe, and whose hearts find (assurance, peace, and) satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find assurance, peace, and)  satisfaction. 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Raad (Chapter 13), Verse 28) 

ۡ ٰٓٮٕ ٱ ۡ ٱۡ

and whoever holds in honour the Symbols of Allah, (in the sacrifice of animals), such (honour) should come truly from piety of heart. 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Hajj (Chapter 22), Verse 32) 

ۡ ٱۡۡ ۡ ۬ ۡ ٓ ۡ ۬ ۡ ǝۖ ۡ ٱٰۡۡ ٰ ۡ ٱۡ ٱ ٱ

Yusuf Alis translation: 

Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and mind) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts. 

This authors translation: 

Do not travel throughout the Earth, which enables their hearts to reason, and enable their ears to hear? Truly it is not the eyes that become blind, but it is the hearts which are in the chests. 

(Yusuf Alis translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran, Surat Al-Hajj (Chapter 22), Verse 46) 

Meanings associated with the heart, according to the above verses 

The above verses provide us with a number of meanings associated with the heart. These include severity and harshness in dealing with people, soundness, repentance, rivalry, sinfulness, faith, sickness and trouble, guidance, assurance and peace, love, fear, thankfulness for positive surroundings, and reasoning. 

Basically, the heart reacts notably to issues related to goodness and evil. 

Exploring the relationship between the heart and the mind 

Upon asking Yahoo search engine about the relationship between the heart and the mind, it gave me about 58,900,000 entries about the two terms, but not necessarily about the relationship between them. However, the relationship has been explored in many articles or works, as readers can find. Here are some information from few of them, by no means this is a survey or a review of the literature. The idea here is conveying to readers that the relationship between the mind and the heart has been studied and researched away from any references to the Holy Qur'an. 

While not all negative thoughts and feelings are bad for health, specific emotional states (mental), especially stress and depression, have now been linked to heart troubles of all kinds. Evidence is overwhelming that the heart takes a beating after psychic trauma, but lesser insults may do us in as well. A bad marriage, an angry or abusive boss, a mugging in the parkall increase risk of heart disease, a bounty of evidence shows. Personality factors like extroversion and optimism can positively impact the cardiovascular system and the health of the heart, while anger and stress can damage the heart and the mind. Some forms of heart disease even trigger the same chemistry found in depression and stress. [2] 

At HeartMath weve spent the last 15 years diligently studying the heart physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our researchers have been mapping the communication pathways between the heart, the brain and the rest of body while also studying the effects of positive emotions on health and performance. What weve learned is that the heart is the master controller in the human system capable of sending powerful, healing commands throughout the entire body. These signals from the heart have a dynamic impact on the nervous, hormonal and immune systems. They also influence brain function and have the ability to improve cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, psychological problems and more. In essence our old friend the heart may be the best healer of all. [3] 

The key to harnessing the hearts amazing power lies in our ability to consciously generate positive emotional states like appreciation, care and love. With stress increasingpersonally, interpersonally and sociallymany people have lost this ability only experiencing these regenerative emotions occasionally. [4]

The relationship of our emotions and psyche (mind) to heart disease is intriguing. There is evidence linking cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders and the possible mechanisms and pathophysiology of this association. There is also a possible role of using mood enhancing therapies (mainly antidepressants) and their safety in patients with cardiovascular disorders. [5]

There is a plausible biological basis for the association between psychiatric morbidity (mind) and cardiovascular (heart) disease. Anxiety, panic disorder, and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension. [6] 

Conclusion 

There is a very close and a reactive relationship between the mind and the heart, particularly regarding the issues of emotions as well as issues related to good and evil. 

People with optimistic and good life style enjoy peace of the mind and calmness of the heart. However, pessimism and wrong doing may be associated with mental and cardiac disorders. 

Thus, basic good characteristics of love, appreciation, care, tolerance, sharing, understanding, helping others, and observing Gods teachings not only are rewarded in the hereafter but also bring peace of the mind and soundness of the heart during your life on Earth, making it better and more enjoyable. 

 Notes and References


[1]  Pages 549-551 of the Holy Quran Index in Arabic by Muhammed Fuad Abdul Baqi. Cairo: Dar Al-Fikr. 1406 (1986). The Arabic Title of the index is: Al-Muajam Al-Mufahras Li Alfadh Al-Quran Al-Kareem.

[2] The High Price of a Broken Heart Yes, you can die from heartbreak. In fact, even mild forms of the blues can put you at risk By PsychologyToday.com:   http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100170423

 

[3]  Understanding the Relationship Between Heart, Mind & Body By Howard Martin: http://www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2006/03/heart-body-mind.htm

[4]  Understanding the Relationship Between Heart, Mind & Body By Howard Martin: http://www.inlighttimes.com/archives/2006/03/heart-body-mind.htm

[5]  Heart and mind: (1) relationship between cardiovascular and psychiatric conditions By S U Shah, A White, S White, W A Littler: http://pmj.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/80/950/683

[6]  Heart and mind: (2) psychotropic and cardiovascular therapeutics By S U Shah, Z Iqbal, A White, S White: http://pmj.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/81/951/33

 

 

The Grand Mosque in Makkah during Haj and the holy month of Ramadan (Arab News, 11/6/02)
   
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, which is visited by Haj and Umrah pilgrims out of love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). (AN Archives, 2/4/03).
A view of Alquds (Jerusalem) with Al-Aqsa Mosque in front, prominent is the golden Dome of the Rock. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest Islamic shrine, after the Makkah and Medina shrines. It includes all the area between the walls, both buildings and courts, all are sacred and Islamic waqf.

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