When a father advises his child, he emphasizes the most important and fundamental points. In one excerpt of his will to his son, Imam Hasan (peace be upon him), Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“I advise you to… enliven your heart with the remembrance of Allah.” [1]
We are naturally very concerned about the health and well-being of our physical bodies. If we face any illness or physical problem, we seek medical help and take medications to address it.
But how much attention do we pay to the health of our soul and the well-being of our hearts and inner selves? If undesirable traits and improper behaviors penetrate our inner being, what actions do we take to cleanse and remedy them?
In our religion, certain practices are identified as sources of vitality for the heart and means for its spiritual health. These include reciting the Qur’an, listening to advice, remembering Allah, reflecting on death, engaging in contemplation, associating with virtuous and wise people, engaging in scholarly discussions, meeting with the righteous and knowledgeable, aiding those in need, and showing compassion to orphans.
For example, the words of the Almighty and Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (peace be upon him) provide evidence of these practices:
Regarding this, Allah says:
“O mankind! There has come to you an admonition from your Lord and a healing for what is in the hearts…” [2]
Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (peace be upon him) also said:
“Learn the Qur’an… and reflect upon it, for it is the springtime of hearts; and seek its light, for it is a cure for the hearts.” [3]
He further said:
“Association with the virtuous gives life to the hearts.” [4]
And:
“Meeting with the righteous enlivens the heart.” [5]
And:
“Meeting with those of knowledge enlivens the heart.” [6]
Additionally, he said:
“The heart’s vitality lies in sitting with the wise.” [7]
Let us remember to incorporate spiritual hygiene into our daily lives, alongside the physical and medical precautions we take for our bodies.
Adapted from the book “Mafatih al-Hayat” by Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli (with summaries and additions)
Footnotes:
[1] Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 31
[2] Surah Yunus, Verse 57
[3] Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 110
[4] Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 429
[5] Tuhaf al-Uqul, Page 80
[6] Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 430
[7] Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 429