“Search for your heart in three places:

A famous quote by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) states: “Search for your heart in three places: when listening to the Quran, in gatherings of remembrance (Dhikr), and when you are alone. If you do not find your heart in these places, then ask Allah to grant you a heart, for indeed, you have no heart.”

Ibn al-Qayyim based this saying on Islamic textual evidence from the Noble Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah that clarifies the states of hearts in these three situations:

• When listening to the Quran:
  • Evidence: Allah Almighty says: “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts feel fear, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith.” (Surah Al-Anfal: 2).
  • Deduction: Listening to the Quran is a fundamental touchstone for the heart's vitality, impact, and humility. Whoever's heart is not moved by listening to the Word of Allah possesses a heart that is hard or heedless.
• In gatherings of remembrance (Dhikr):
  • Evidence: Allah Almighty says: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Surah Ar-Ra'd: 28). And the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “No group of people assemble in one of the houses of Allah reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy covers them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them among those who are with Him.”
  • Deduction: Gatherings of Dhikr are places of tranquility and peace for living hearts. If a person finds their heart present and joyful in these gatherings, it is a sign of spiritual life and faith.
• When you are alone:
  • Evidence: The Hadith regarding the seven whom Allah will shade under His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His, including: “...and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes overflow with tears.” (Agreed upon).
  • Deduction: Solitude reveals the reality of sincerity and mindfulness (Muraqabah), far removed from showing off or ostentation. If one's heart is absent from Allah while alone, it indicates a weak connection with their Creator.

Conclusion: Ibn al-Qayyim relied on the concept of the "life and soundness of hearts." A living heart is one that softens with humility before the Quran, finds peace in Dhikr, and remains mindful of Allah in solitude. If a heart lacks these three traits, it is considered like a dead heart whose owner needs to seek from Allah a living, humble heart.

May Allah grant us His love, humility before Him, and living hearts.