THE HUMAN HEART IN THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

By

Z. R. El-NAGGAR

Chairman, Committee on Scientific Notions in the Noble Qur'an,  

Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs,

Cairo, Egypt

ABSTRACT

The human heart is mentioned (132) times in the Glorious Qur'an, besides several other notions under 50^th the metaphoric expressions "human chest Fou'ad" or the inner in both the singular and the plural forms. Of these Qur'anic statements, some describe this sentient organ as having the capacity of being a center of reasoning, intentions and decision – making. Consequently, human hearts can either be healthy or diseased. Healthy (or soft hearts) can have their humane attitude and balanced rational, while diseased (or hard, stony) hearts can loose both their humane touch and their capacity to see and understand.  Such  Qur'anic emphasis on the role of the human hearts in the mental, emotional and spiritual decisions of man came down more than 14 centuries ago, while physicians have –for centuries – been restricting the function of the human heart to the mere process of pumping   the blood throughout the human body .

However, science has recently proven that the human heart is as sentient as the human brain, if not much more, as it has its own form of intelligence. Not only this, but it has been proven experimentally that the human heart does influence the brain's thinking capacity, and hence its physical capability of accepting, comprehending and storing knowledge. It has also been proven that the human heart communicates with both the brain and the rest of the human body neurologically (through the nervous system), biophysically (through pulse waves), biochemically (through certain hormones), and electromagnetically (through energetic waves).

The human heart's electromagnetic field is the most powerful rhythmic field produced by the human body. It envelopes every cell in that body, and extends out in all directions into the space surrounding it, as an important carrier of information.

The recently discovered human heart –brain synchronization (or the so-called Cardiac Coherence) has become an established fact, proving that the human heart's activity influences that of the brain, and that the heart has its own form of intelligence. Cardiac intelligence can process information about its body as well as its surroundings.  This takes place through an "info- energetic code" in the form of a profuse network of blood vessels and cells that serve as energy information gathering and distributing system, recently termed "the heart code" by Paul Pearsall.

For the Noble Qur'an to spell out this fact more than 14 centuries ago is a living testimony to both its divine origin and the correct prophethood of the noble messenger who had received it.  

Introduction

The Glorious Qur'an which was revealed more than 14 centuries ago emphasized the fact that the human heart is a highly sentient organ with the capacity of feeling, reasoning and decision – making. Such cardiac qualities have only been very recently discovered in later part of the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty first century. For a book revealed in the seventh century, to an unlettered Prophet, in an unlettered society to spell these facts out in a very precise language is a living testimony to both the divine nature of the book and the correct Prophethood of its recipient.

    Qur'anic verses with cardiac connotations The human heart is mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an (132) times, besides several other notions under the term "Fouâad" (or inner heart) (16) times, and under the metaphoric term (chest) which means the heart (44) times.

These Qur'anic verses can be listed as follows:

1. "And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harshhearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allahs) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 159).

2. "Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy))". (Surat Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 89).

3. "When he came to his Lord with a pure heart (attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism)". (Surat As-Sâffât (Those Ranged in Ranks):84).

4. "Those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, it is greatly hateful and disgusting to Allah and to those who believe. Thus does Allah seal up the heart of every arrogant, tyrant. (So they cannot guide themselves to the Right Path)". (Surat Ghâfir (The Forgiver): 35).

5. "Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him - and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism), (Surat Qaf: 33).

6. "Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful". (Surat Qaf: 37).

7. "Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Quran) down to your heart by Allahs Permission, confirming what came before it (i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) and guidance and glad tidings for the believers". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 97).

8. "Upon your heart (O Muhammad SAW) that you may be (one) of the warners," (Surat Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 194).

9. "Then, if they have patience, yet the Fire will be a home for them, and if they beg for to be excused, yet they are not of those who will ever be excused". (Surat Ash-Shûra (The Consultation): 24).

10. "O you who believe! Say not (to the Messenger Peace be upon him) Raina but say Unzurna (Do make us understand) and hear. And for the disbelievers there is a painful torment". ((Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 104). 

11. "And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging); then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully), and let him be afraid of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do". ((Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 283).

12. "O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (SAW) calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything). And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 24).

13. "Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment". (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 106).

14. "And keep yourself (O Muhammad SAW) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost". (Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave): 28).

15. "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 32).

16. "Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?" (Surat Al-Jâthiyah (The Kneeling): 23).

17. "No calamity befalls, but with the Leave (i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)) of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart (to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)), and Allah is the All-Knower of everything". (Surat At-Taghâbun (Mutual Loss and Gain): 11).

18. "And the heart of the mother of Moosa (Moses) became empty (from every thought, except the thought of Moosa (Moses)). She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers". (Surat Al-Qasas (The Narration): 10).

19. "And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim (Abraham)) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in Faith." He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 260).   

20. "We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they joined others in worship with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire and how evil is the abode of the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 151).

21. "Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad SAW). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)". (Surat Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

22. "And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones". (Surat Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

23. "(Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes." (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 12).

24. "Allah has forgiven the Prophet (SAW), the Muhajiroon (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (Muslims of Al-Madinah) who followed him (Muhammad SAW) in the time of distress (Tabook expedition, etc.), after the hearts of a party of them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentence):117).

25. "Then after him We sent Messengers to their people, they brought them clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus We seal the hearts of the transgressors (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and disobey Him)". (Surat Yûnus (Jonah): 74).

26. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surat Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

27. "Thus do We let it (polytheism and disbelief) enter into the hearts of the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, pagans, etc. (because of their mockery at the Messengers))". (Surat Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract): 12).

28. "Thus it is. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart". (Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 32).

29. "Have they not travelled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind". (Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 46).

30. "Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the Remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue), nor from performing AsSalat (Iqamat-as-Salat), nor from giving the Zakat. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection)". (Surat An-Nûr (The Light): 37).

31. "Thus have We caused it (the denial of the Quran) to enter the hearts of the Moojrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.)". (Surat Ash-Shu'arâ (The Poets): 200).

32. "Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who know not (the proofs and evidence of the Oneness of Allah i.e. those who try not to understand true facts that which you (Muhammad SAW) have brought to them)". (Surat Ar-Rûm (The Romans): 59).

33. "And when Allah Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust (from the Oneness of Allah () and when those (whom they obey or worship) besides Him (like all false deities other than Allah, it may be a Messenger like Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), an angel, a pious man, a jinn, or any other creature even idols, graves of religious people, saints, priests, monks, etc.) are mentioned, behold, they rejoice!" (Surat Az-Zumar (The Groups): 45).

34. "Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?" (Surat Muhammad: 24).

35. "He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Fath (The Victory): 4).

36. "Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allah therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surat Al-Hadîd (Iron): 27).

37. "(Some) hearts that Day will shake with fear and anxiety". (Surat An-Nâzi'ât (Those Who Pull Out): 8).

38. "If you two (wives of the Prophet SAW, namely Aishah and Hafsah ) turn in repentance to Allah, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet SAW likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad SAW), then verily, Allah is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers". (Surat At-Tahrîm (The Prohibition): 4).

39. "Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 74).

40. "Allah will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 225).

41. "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allahs Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 103).

42. "Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 126).

43. "Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is AllKnower of what is in (your) breasts". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 154).

44. "Say (to the disbelievers): "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - an ilah (a god) other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how variously We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), yet they turn aside". (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 46).

45. "Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 10).

46. "(Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions, etc.) of Shaitan (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 11).

47. "O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: "If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 70).

48. "Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah. But if you know not their fathers (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawaleekum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 5).

49. "You (O Muhammad SAW) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive whom you will. And whomsoever you desire of those whom you have set aside (her turn temporarily), it is no sin on you (to receive her again), that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieved, and may all be pleased with what you give them. Allah knows what is in your hearts. And Allah is Ever AllKnowing, Most Forbearing". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 51).

50. "O you who believe! Enter not the Prophets houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allahs Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 53).

51. "Nay, but you thought that the Messenger (SAW) and the believers would never return to their families; and that was made fair-seeming in their hearts, and you did think an evil thought and you became a useless people going for destruction." (Surat Al-Fath (The Victory): 12).

52. "And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah (SAW). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger SAW) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones," (Surat Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 7).

53. "The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, We have surrendered (in Islam), for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger (SAW), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 14).

54. "And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allahs Word)." Nay, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 88).

55. "(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 8).

56. Because of their breaking the covenant, and of their rejecting the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and of their killing the Prophets unjustly, and of their saying: "Our hearts are wrapped (with coverings, i.e. we do not understand what the Messengers say)" - nay, Allah has set a seal upon their hearts because of their disbelief, so they believe not but a little. (Surat An-Nisâ' (The Women): 155).

57. "They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses." (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 113).

58. "And they say: "Our hearts are under coverings (screened) from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a screen, so work you (on your way); verily, we are working (on our way)." (Surat Fussilat (They are explained in detail): 5).

59. "And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful". (Surat Al-Hashr (The Gathering): 10).

60. "Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 7).

61. "In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 10).

62. "And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers." (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 93).

63. "And those who have no knowledge say: "Why does not Allah speak to us (face to face) or why does not a sign come to us?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike, We have indeed made plain the signs for people who believe with certainty". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 118).

64. "It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book (and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraid (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)); and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 7). 

65. "O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed," so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is AllSeer of what you do". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 156).  

66. "And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allah or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 167).  

67. "They (hypocrites) are those of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts; so turn aside from them (do not punish them) but admonish them, and speak to them an effective word (i.e. to believe in Allah, worship Him, obey Him, and be afraid of Him) to reach their innerselves". (Surat An-Nisâ' (The Women): 63).

68. "So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinoon". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 13).

69. "O Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Let not those who hurry to fall into disbelief grieve you, of such who say: "We believe" with their mouths but their hearts have no faith. And of the Jews are men who listen much and eagerly to lies - listen to others who have not come to you. They change the words from their places; they say, "If you are given this, take it, but if you are not given this, then beware!" And whomsoever Allah wants to put in Al-Fitnah (error, because of his rejecting the Faith), you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not want to purify (from disbelief and hypocrisy); for them there is a disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a great torment". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 41).

70. "And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to their friendship, saying: "We fear lest some misfortune of a disaster may befall us." Perhaps Allah may bring a victory or a decision according to His Will. Then they will become regretful for what they have been keeping as a secret in themselves". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 52).

71. "And of them there are some who listen to you; but We have set veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they see every one of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) they will not believe therein; to the point that when they come to you to argue with you, the disbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the men of old." (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 25). 

72. "When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitan (Satan) made fairseeming to them that which they used to do". (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 43). 

73. "Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?" (Surat Al-A'râf (The Height): 100).

74. "The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);" (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 2).

75. "When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease (of disbelief) said: "These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion." But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 49).

76. "And He has united their (i.e. believers) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 63).

77. "How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):8).

78. "And remove the anger of their (believers) hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):15).

79. "It is only those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihad). So in their doubts they waver". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):45).

80. "As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allahs Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):60).

81. "The hypocrites fear lest a Soorah (chapter of the Quran) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allah will bring to light all that you fear." (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):64).

82. "So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):77).

83. "They are content to be with those (the women) who sit behind (at home). Their hearts are sealed up (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance), so they understand not". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):83).

84. "The ground (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance) so that they know not (what they are losing)". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):93).

85. "The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy and doubt in their hearts, unless their hearts are cut to pieces. (i.e. till they die). And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):110).

86. "But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):125).

87. "And whenever there comes down a Soorah (chapter from the Quran), they look at one another (saying): "Does any one see you?" Then they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts (from the light) because they are a people that understand not". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):127).

88. "And Moosa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Firaun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment."  (Surat Yûnus (Jonah): 88).

89. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surat Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

90. "Your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allah), and they are proud". (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 22).

91. "They are those upon whose hearts, hearing (ears) and sight (eyes) Allah has set a seal. And they are the heedless!" (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 108).

92. "And We have put coverings over their hearts lest, they should understand it (the Quran), and in their ears deafness. And when you make mention of your Lord Alone (La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) Islamic Monotheism ()) in the Quran, they turn on their backs, fleeing in extreme dislikeness". (Surat Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by Night): 46).

93. "And We made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of Faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings, etc.) when they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief". (Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave): 14).

THE HUMAN HEART IN THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

By

Z. R. El-NAGGAR

Chairman, Committee on Scientific Notions in the Noble Qur'an,  

Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs,

Cairo, Egypt

ABSTRACT

The human heart is mentioned (132) times in the Glorious Qur'an, besides several other notions under 50^th the metaphoric expressions "human chest Fou'ad" or the inner in both the singular and the plural forms. Of these Qur'anic statements, some describe this sentient organ as having the capacity of being a center of reasoning, intentions and decision – making. Consequently, human hearts can either be healthy or diseased. Healthy (or soft hearts) can have their humane attitude and balanced rational, while diseased (or hard, stony) hearts can loose both their humane touch and their capacity to see and understand.  Such  Qur'anic emphasis on the role of the human hearts in the mental, emotional and spiritual decisions of man came down more than 14 centuries ago, while physicians have –for centuries – been restricting the function of the human heart to the mere process of pumping   the blood throughout the human body .

However, science has recently proven that the human heart is as sentient as the human brain, if not much more, as it has its own form of intelligence. Not only this, but it has been proven experimentally that the human heart does influence the brain's thinking capacity, and hence its physical capability of accepting, comprehending and storing knowledge. It has also been proven that the human heart communicates with both the brain and the rest of the human body neurologically (through the nervous system), biophysically (through pulse waves), biochemically (through certain hormones), and electromagnetically (through energetic waves).

The human heart's electromagnetic field is the most powerful rhythmic field produced by the human body. It envelopes every cell in that body, and extends out in all directions into the space surrounding it, as an important carrier of information.

The recently discovered human heart –brain synchronization (or the so-called Cardiac Coherence) has become an established fact, proving that the human heart's activity influences that of the brain, and that the heart has its own form of intelligence. Cardiac intelligence can process information about its body as well as its surroundings.  This takes place through an "info- energetic code" in the form of a profuse network of blood vessels and cells that serve as energy information gathering and distributing system, recently termed "the heart code" by Paul Pearsall.

For the Noble Qur'an to spell out this fact more than 14 centuries ago is a living testimony to both its divine origin and the correct prophethood of the noble messenger who had received it.  

Introduction

The Glorious Qur'an which was revealed more than 14 centuries ago emphasized the fact that the human heart is a highly sentient organ with the capacity of feeling, reasoning and decision – making. Such cardiac qualities have only been very recently discovered in later part of the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty first century. For a book revealed in the seventh century, to an unlettered Prophet, in an unlettered society to spell these facts out in a very precise language is a living testimony to both the divine nature of the book and the correct Prophethood of its recipient.

    Qur'anic verses with cardiac connotations The human heart is mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an (132) times, besides several other notions under the term "Fouâad" (or inner heart) (16) times, and under the metaphoric term (chest) which means the heart (44) times.

These Qur'anic verses can be listed as follows:

1. "And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harshhearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allahs) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 159).

2. "Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy))". (Surat Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 89).

3. "When he came to his Lord with a pure heart (attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism)". (Surat As-Sâffât (Those Ranged in Ranks):84).

4. "Those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, it is greatly hateful and disgusting to Allah and to those who believe. Thus does Allah seal up the heart of every arrogant, tyrant. (So they cannot guide themselves to the Right Path)". (Surat Ghâfir (The Forgiver): 35).

5. "Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him - and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism), (Surat Qaf: 33).

6. "Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful". (Surat Qaf: 37).

7. "Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Quran) down to your heart by Allahs Permission, confirming what came before it (i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) and guidance and glad tidings for the believers". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 97).

8. "Upon your heart (O Muhammad SAW) that you may be (one) of the warners," (Surat Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets): 194).

9. "Then, if they have patience, yet the Fire will be a home for them, and if they beg for to be excused, yet they are not of those who will ever be excused". (Surat Ash-Shûra (The Consultation): 24).

10. "O you who believe! Say not (to the Messenger Peace be upon him) Raina but say Unzurna (Do make us understand) and hear. And for the disbelievers there is a painful torment". ((Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 104). 

11. "And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging); then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully), and let him be afraid of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do". ((Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 283).

12. "O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (SAW) calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything). And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 24).

13. "Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment". (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 106).

14. "And keep yourself (O Muhammad SAW) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost". (Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave): 28).

15. "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 32).

16. "Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?" (Surat Al-Jâthiyah (The Kneeling): 23).

17. "No calamity befalls, but with the Leave (i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)) of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart (to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)), and Allah is the All-Knower of everything". (Surat At-Taghâbun (Mutual Loss and Gain): 11).

18. "And the heart of the mother of Moosa (Moses) became empty (from every thought, except the thought of Moosa (Moses)). She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers". (Surat Al-Qasas (The Narration): 10).

19. "And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe?" He (Ibrahim (Abraham)) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in Faith." He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 260).   

20. "We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they joined others in worship with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire and how evil is the abode of the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 151).

21. "Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad SAW). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)". (Surat Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

22. "And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones". (Surat Al-A'râf (The Heights): 101).

23. "(Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes." (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 12).

24. "Allah has forgiven the Prophet (SAW), the Muhajiroon (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (Muslims of Al-Madinah) who followed him (Muhammad SAW) in the time of distress (Tabook expedition, etc.), after the hearts of a party of them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentence):117).

25. "Then after him We sent Messengers to their people, they brought them clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus We seal the hearts of the transgressors (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and disobey Him)". (Surat Yûnus (Jonah): 74).

26. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surat Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

27. "Thus do We let it (polytheism and disbelief) enter into the hearts of the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, pagans, etc. (because of their mockery at the Messengers))". (Surat Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract): 12).

28. "Thus it is. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart". (Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 32).

29. "Have they not travelled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind". (Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): 46).

30. "Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the Remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue), nor from performing AsSalat (Iqamat-as-Salat), nor from giving the Zakat. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection)". (Surat An-Nûr (The Light): 37).

31. "Thus have We caused it (the denial of the Quran) to enter the hearts of the Moojrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.)". (Surat Ash-Shu'arâ (The Poets): 200).

32. "Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who know not (the proofs and evidence of the Oneness of Allah i.e. those who try not to understand true facts that which you (Muhammad SAW) have brought to them)". (Surat Ar-Rûm (The Romans): 59).

33. "And when Allah Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust (from the Oneness of Allah () and when those (whom they obey or worship) besides Him (like all false deities other than Allah, it may be a Messenger like Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), an angel, a pious man, a jinn, or any other creature even idols, graves of religious people, saints, priests, monks, etc.) are mentioned, behold, they rejoice!" (Surat Az-Zumar (The Groups): 45).

34. "Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?" (Surat Muhammad: 24).

35. "He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Fath (The Victory): 4).

36. "Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allah therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surat Al-Hadîd (Iron): 27).

37. "(Some) hearts that Day will shake with fear and anxiety". (Surat An-Nâzi'ât (Those Who Pull Out): 8).

38. "If you two (wives of the Prophet SAW, namely Aishah and Hafsah ) turn in repentance to Allah, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet SAW likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad SAW), then verily, Allah is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers". (Surat At-Tahrîm (The Prohibition): 4).

39. "Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 74).

40. "Allah will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 225).

41. "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allahs Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 103).

42. "Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 126).

43. "Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet SAW) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad SAW): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is AllKnower of what is in (your) breasts". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 154).

44. "Say (to the disbelievers): "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - an ilah (a god) other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how variously We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), yet they turn aside". (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 46).

45. "Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 10).

46. "(Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions, etc.) of Shaitan (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 11).

47. "O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: "If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 70).

48. "Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah. But if you know not their fathers (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawaleekum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 5).

49. "You (O Muhammad SAW) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive whom you will. And whomsoever you desire of those whom you have set aside (her turn temporarily), it is no sin on you (to receive her again), that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieved, and may all be pleased with what you give them. Allah knows what is in your hearts. And Allah is Ever AllKnowing, Most Forbearing". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 51).

50. "O you who believe! Enter not the Prophets houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allahs Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity". (Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 53).

51. "Nay, but you thought that the Messenger (SAW) and the believers would never return to their families; and that was made fair-seeming in their hearts, and you did think an evil thought and you became a useless people going for destruction." (Surat Al-Fath (The Victory): 12).

52. "And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah (SAW). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger SAW) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones," (Surat Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 7).

53. "The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, We have surrendered (in Islam), for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger (SAW), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 14).

54. "And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allahs Word)." Nay, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 88).

55. "(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 8).

56. Because of their breaking the covenant, and of their rejecting the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and of their killing the Prophets unjustly, and of their saying: "Our hearts are wrapped (with coverings, i.e. we do not understand what the Messengers say)" - nay, Allah has set a seal upon their hearts because of their disbelief, so they believe not but a little. (Surat An-Nisâ' (The Women): 155).

57. "They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses." (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 113).

58. "And they say: "Our hearts are under coverings (screened) from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a screen, so work you (on your way); verily, we are working (on our way)." (Surat Fussilat (They are explained in detail): 5).

59. "And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful". (Surat Al-Hashr (The Gathering): 10).

60. "Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 7).

61. "In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 10).

62. "And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers." (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 93).

63. "And those who have no knowledge say: "Why does not Allah speak to us (face to face) or why does not a sign come to us?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike, We have indeed made plain the signs for people who believe with certainty". (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 118).

64. "It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book (and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraid (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)); and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 7). 

65. "O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed," so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is AllSeer of what you do". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 156).  

66. "And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allah or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal". (Surat Al-'Imran (The Family of Imran): 167).  

67. "They (hypocrites) are those of whom Allah knows what is in their hearts; so turn aside from them (do not punish them) but admonish them, and speak to them an effective word (i.e. to believe in Allah, worship Him, obey Him, and be afraid of Him) to reach their innerselves". (Surat An-Nisâ' (The Women): 63).

68. "So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinoon". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 13).

69. "O Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Let not those who hurry to fall into disbelief grieve you, of such who say: "We believe" with their mouths but their hearts have no faith. And of the Jews are men who listen much and eagerly to lies - listen to others who have not come to you. They change the words from their places; they say, "If you are given this, take it, but if you are not given this, then beware!" And whomsoever Allah wants to put in Al-Fitnah (error, because of his rejecting the Faith), you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not want to purify (from disbelief and hypocrisy); for them there is a disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a great torment". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 41).

70. "And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to their friendship, saying: "We fear lest some misfortune of a disaster may befall us." Perhaps Allah may bring a victory or a decision according to His Will. Then they will become regretful for what they have been keeping as a secret in themselves". (Surat Al-Mâidah (The Table spread with Food): 52).

71. "And of them there are some who listen to you; but We have set veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they see every one of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) they will not believe therein; to the point that when they come to you to argue with you, the disbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the men of old." (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 25). 

72. "When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitan (Satan) made fairseeming to them that which they used to do". (Surat Al-An'âm (The Cattle): 43). 

73. "Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?" (Surat Al-A'râf (The Height): 100).

74. "The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);" (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 2).

75. "When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease (of disbelief) said: "These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion." But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 49).

76. "And He has united their (i.e. believers) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise". (Surat Al-Anfâl (The Spoils of War): 63).

77. "How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):8).

78. "And remove the anger of their (believers) hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):15).

79. "It is only those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihad). So in their doubts they waver". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):45).

80. "As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allahs Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):60).

81. "The hypocrites fear lest a Soorah (chapter of the Quran) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allah will bring to light all that you fear." (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):64).

82. "So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):77).

83. "They are content to be with those (the women) who sit behind (at home). Their hearts are sealed up (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance), so they understand not". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):83).

84. "The ground (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance) so that they know not (what they are losing)". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):93).

85. "The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy and doubt in their hearts, unless their hearts are cut to pieces. (i.e. till they die). And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):110).

86. "But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):125).

87. "And whenever there comes down a Soorah (chapter from the Quran), they look at one another (saying): "Does any one see you?" Then they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts (from the light) because they are a people that understand not". (Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance):127).

88. "And Moosa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Firaun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment."  (Surat Yûnus (Jonah): 88).

89. "Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Surat Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder): 28).

90. "Your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allah), and they are proud". (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 22).

91. "They are those upon whose hearts, hearing (ears) and sight (eyes) Allah has set a seal. And they are the heedless!" (Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 108).

92. "And We have put coverings over their hearts lest, they should understand it (the Quran), and in their ears deafness. And when you make mention of your Lord Alone (La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) Islamic Monotheism ()) in the Quran, they turn on their backs, fleeing in extreme dislikeness". (Surat Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by Night): 46).

93. "And We made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of Faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings, etc.) when they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief". (Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave): 14).