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A heart, like soil, must be cleansed and nourished to allow faith to take root and flourish.

Objective:

Requirements:

1a) Clean it up!

Engage in activity that symbolises purifying the heart.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Grounded Heart

قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم

Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good, but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.

Al-Bukhari

The condition of the heart is crucial in determining a person’s actions. A purified heart will always seek the pleasure of Allāh ta'ālā, whereas an impure heart will cause a person to falter, even in seemingly righteous acts. For example, if someone performs salāh with ostentation (riyā), it can lead to the displeasure of Allāh despite the outward appearance of piety.

While mistakes will happen, one should immediately turn to tawbah (repentance), as this is part of taqwā. Allāh ta'ālā says:

“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allāh and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allāh?—and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know." (3:135)

To purify the heart, one must focus on mujāhadah (striving in obedience to Allāh). This includes fulfilling the obligatory actions (farā’idh), avoiding sins, and performing extra acts of worship like sunnah and nafl to strengthen the connection with Allāh. Striving to follow these commands is the essence of spiritual progress, leading to becoming a muttaqī (pious person) and a friend of Allāh, promised Jannah.

Repenting and maintaining regular worship keeps a person close to Allāh. It’s important to also engage in extra worship and avoid undesirable actions to further strengthen one's faith and closeness to Allāh.

قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم

“...and then he continues to progress in this closeness through nawāfil (optional worships) until I love him. And when I love him, I become his ears with which he hears, and his eyes with which he sees, and his hands with which he grasps, and his feet with which he walks. And if he asks from Me, I grant him, and if he seeks refuge from Me, I grant him refuge..." (Al-Bukhārī)

Good Company: A key part of spiritual reform is seeking the company of the pious, especially a spiritual guide (Shaykh). If a Shaykh isn’t available, one should surround themselves with other pious people and avoid bad company.

قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم

“A person is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he takes as a friend.” (Abu Dawood)

Dhikr: Regular remembrance of Allāh through verbal and heart-based dhikr is vital. Start with tasbīhāt (e.g., Istighfār, salāt 'alan-Nabī), reciting the Qur'ān, and performing extra prayers. Allāh ta'ālā says:

“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allāh do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

Dhikr keeps the heart focused on Allāh.

Du'ā: Seeking Allāh’s help in this process is crucial. Allāh ta'ālā promises to respond to those who call upon Him:

“And when My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he calls Me...” (2:186)

A person should commit to daily practices and set fixed times for them, as consistency is key in spiritual growth. Just like a student follows a timetable, setting a schedule for spiritual purification helps ensure progress.

May Allāh grant us success in purifying our hearts and making us among His chosen friends. Āmīn.

Adapted from www.at-tazkiyah.com

Choose from any of the activities (written as a lesson plan/guide) below to help you complete the badge requirements. All activities can be adapted to appropriate age groups. There is a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities as well as for collective and independent learners.

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