By Sheikh Ali ibn Abdur-Rahman al-Huthaifi – 15 Safar 1437

His Eminence Sheikh Ali ibn Abdur-Rahman al-Huthaifi, may Allah preserve him, delivered the Friday Khutbah entitled, “How to Attain a Pure Heart,” in which he talked about the acts of the heart, the way a servant can attain heart purity and soundness, and the signs of having a pure heart. He also warned against those qualities that are contrary to the soundness and purity of the heart.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds and the Protector of the righteous, Who guides whomever He wills by His grace and mercy and makes them among the successful and Who forsakes whoever He wills in His infinite justice and wisdom, leaving them to follow the paths of the disbelievers. I praise my Lord and thank Him. I turn to Him in repentance and ask Him for forgiveness. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone. To Him belong all sovereignty and all praise, and He is the King and the Manifest Truth. I also bear witness that our prophet and master, Muhammad, is His servant and messenger, the true to his promise, the trustworthy. O Allah! Bestow Your prayers, peace, and blessings upon Your servant and messenger Muhammad and upon all those who follow in his footsteps.

Now then,
Fear Allah and He will admit you into His mercy and safeguard you against His wrath and punishments. Those who fear Allah will achieve success, while those who invent falsehoods and do injustice will fail miserably.

Servants of Allah!
Every Muslim strives for eternal happiness in the hereafter and for a good life in this world. Allah guides some people to this and grants them the eternal happiness and the good worldly life they strive for. Other people, however, make the worldly life their main concern and forget all about the afterlife. Allah will give them only whatever worldly portion He has ordained for them but they will have no share in the hereafter. Besides, they cannot purely enjoy whatever worldly pleasures they may attain, as they are usually accompanied by suffering, afflictions, evils, and causes of destruction. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected (far away from Allah’s Mercy).” (Al-Isra’: 18)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:
“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its teachings.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” He will say: “O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?” (Allah) will say: “Like this Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came to you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy).” (Ta-Ha: 124-126)

If such is the case – that is, if everyone seeks happiness in this world as well eternal bliss in the afterlife, which is far better and more lasting than the present life – then it should be known that happiness in both abodes can only be attained if one has a clean, good heart. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)]. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun (the pious). And the (Hell) Fire will be placed in full view of the erring.” (Ash-Shu‘ara’: 88-91)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:
“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” (Al-Nahl: 97)

Righteous deeds emanate only from a clean, sound heart. Allah, Exalted be He, says:
“Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai’ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory.” (Al-Fath: 18)

That is, Allah knew of the soundness of faith and truthfulness in their hearts and knew that they were clean from hypocrisy in all its forms.

Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said, The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was once asked, “Which of the people is best?” He said, “Every believer who is clean-hearted and truthful in speech.” They said, “We know what it means to be truthful in speech, but what does it mean to be clean-hearted?” He said, “It means to have a pious, pure heart, in which there is no rancour, insincerity, injustice, or envy.” (An authenticated hadith, reported by Ibn Majah)

Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Hellfire is forbidden to touch any person who is friendly, amiable, easy to get on with, and near to people” (Reported by Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi with different wording). Therefore, O Muslim, see how the purity of the heart can raise people to the highest degrees in Paradise and can save them from Hellfire and all causes of destruction.

A pure heart is close to all that is good and is distant from all that is evil. It combines good manners and noble moral character, just as a pond keeps pure water. It also removes bad manners just as the bellows remove impurities from gold and silver. A person with a clean heart is surrounded with Allah’s mercy, care, protection, and guidance to success. Allah, Exalted be He, says:
“… And (O Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitun (those who obey Allah with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islamic Monotheism), whose hearts are filled with fear when Allah is mentioned and As-Sabirun [who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities)]; and who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and who spend (in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have provided them.” (Al-Hajj: 34-35)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:
“Verily, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and humble themselves (in repentance and obedience) before their Lord, they will be the dwellers of Paradise, to dwell therein forever.” (Hud: 23)

Humbling oneself to the Lord is the most sublime attribute of a clean heart. It means showing humility to Allah, Might and Majesty be to Him, having total confidence in His Law and Revelation, content with good deeds, and finding joy in performing them.

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:
“Those whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state (i.e. pure from all evil, and worshipping none but Allah Alone) saying (to them): “Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be on you) enter you Paradise, because of that (the good) which you used to do (in the world).” (An-Nahl: 32)

The ‘pious state’ mentioned here is due to the purity of their hearts.

‘Iyad ibn Himar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The dwellers of Paradise are of three types: One who wields authority and is just and fair, one who is merciful and kind-hearted towards his relatives and towards every Muslim, and one who is poor but abstains from begging and even gives alms” (Reported by Ibn Hibban).

A clean heart has certain traits and states. Its best state is when it is free from the major and minor types shirk (associating partners with Allah), hypocrisy and all its branches, major sins and evil deeds, and reprehensible qualities, such as miserliness, covetousness, envy, hatred, pride, deception, treachery, betrayal, malice, and telling lies. A person with such a clean heart should at the same time fulfil his obligations and duties, do commendable deeds very often, and avoid bad deeds.

Of all people, the prophets, peace and blessing be upon them, had the purest and soundest hearts. Allah, Exalted be He, says about Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham), peace and blessings be upon him:
“And, verily, among those who followed his [Nuh’s (Noah)] way (Islamic Monotheism) was Ibrahim (Abraham). 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].” (As-Saffat: 83-84)

It was narrated by ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him said, “None of my Companions should tell me anything about anyone, for I like to come out to you with a pure heart” (Reported by Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi). Shaddad ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us this supplication: “O Allah! I ask You for steadfastness in my religion and for determination upon guidance. I ask You to make me thankful for Your favours and to help me worship You in the best manner. I ask You to grant me a clean heart and a truthful tongue. I ask You for the good that You know, and I seek Your forgiveness for the sins that You know; surely, You are the Knower of all that is hidden!” (An authenticated hadith, reported by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa’i)

There are various degrees below that of the soundest and purest heart. If anyone strives to follow in the steps of the prophets, peace and blessings be upon them, he will acquire the qualities of the sound and pure heart commensurate with the effort he makes in this respect, and whoever follows the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and adheres to his esteemed Sunnah has in fact been led to the best guidance and the best deeds and beliefs. Besides, Allah will make heart purity desirable to this person, just as He granted it to the Companions who followed the example of the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, and strictly adhered to his guidance. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.” (Al-Hashr: 9).

Those who follow them in righteousness are equally clean-hearted. Allah, Exalted be He, says:
“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.” (Al-Hashr: 10)

The reward for having a pure and sound heart is Paradise in the hereafter and safety and well-being in this world. Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

We were once sitting with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, “A man from the people of Paradise will now enter.” Thereupon, a man from al-Ansar (the inhabitants of al-Madinah who helped the Muslim emigrants from Makkah (al-Muhajirun)) entered. The following day, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said the same thing and the same man entered. On the third day, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, again repeated his statement and, again, the same man entered.

When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had left, Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, followed the man and said to him, “I quarrelled with my father and I swore I would not go home for three days. Would you shelter me until these three days have passed?” The man agreed.

Abdullah said that he stayed with this man for three nights and he did not see him performing voluntary prayers at night, but every time he moved and turned in bed he would remember Allah. Abdullah said to the man, “In fact, there is nothing wrong between my father and me. I only heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say you are a man from the people of Paradise. What is it that has made you attain that status?” The man replied, “Nothing more than what you have seen, except that I do not bear in myself any insincerity towards any Muslim and I never envy anyone for something good that Allah has given him.” Abdullah then said, “It is this, then, that has made you one of the people of Paradise.” (Reported by Ahmad; Ibn Kathir said, “It has an authenticated chain of transmission.”)

When a Muslim strives hard to acquire the means that lead to heart purity and manages to reach this high status, then he has achieved success. He will lead a peaceful life in this world, and Allah will guarantee him a high degree in Paradise in the hereafter. His Lord will guide him to sincerity and freedom from deceit. Therefore, he will discharge his duty of showing sincerity to Allah, Exalted be He, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Religion is Sincerity.” The Companions asked, “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “To Allah, His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk” (Reported by Muslim on the authority of Tamim ad-Dari, may Allah be pleased with him).

Sincerity to Allah here means worshipping him with purity of faith; sincerity to His Book means learning it, teaching it, and acting in accordance with its dictates; and sincerity to His Messenger means following his Sunnah and calling to it. As for sincerity to the leaders of the Muslims, it means not rebelling against them and helping them with the trust put upon them, while sincerity to Muslims in general means fulfilling one’s duty towards them, safeguarding their rights, teaching them, showing kindness towards them, and protecting them from evil.

When a person’s heart becomes sound and pure, he will love for Muslims what he loves for himself and will be saved from his own covetousness. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “None of you will be a true believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Anas ibn Malik). Commenting on this hadith, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:

This hadith indicates that a believer is always pleased when his fellow believers are pleased, and that he desires for them the good that he desires for himself. This state can only be attained as a result of the purity of the heart from holding grudges, insincerity, and envy. For envy means that the envious person hates it for other people to be superior or equal to him with regard to any good thing, because he likes to be uniquely superior to all people in everything. Faith requires the total opposite, i.e. one would like all the believers to have the same bounties that Allah has bestowed upon him without feeling that he has lost anything.

Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said, “I sometimes read a verse of the Qur’an and learn something from it, and then I wish that every Muslim would learn what I have learnt from that verse.” Ash-Shafi‘i, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “I wish that people acquired this knowledge without anything of it being attributed to me.” Abu Bakr As-Siddiq spent all his wealth for the benefit of Muslims, and ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab spent half of his wealth for the same purpose. May Allah be pleased with both of them.

Signs of a sound heart include tolerance, forbearance, patience, endurance, clemency, forgiveness, compassion, and mercy towards Muslims. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, highly praised Abu Damdam for having such noble qualities. For whenever Abu Damdam, may Allah be pleased with him, woke up in the morning, he would say, “O Allah! I have no wealth to give to charity, but I give my honour as alms to people. If anyone abuses me or slanders me, I will forgive him.” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, then said, “Who among you can be like Abu Damdam?” (Reported by al-Hakim, Ibn Abdul-Barr, and al-Bazzar. It is a hadith that has a good chain of transmission). Commenting on this hadith, Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said, “This can only be attained with a sound heart that is free from rancour, hatred, and envy.”

The total opposite of a sound heart is the diseased heart, whose disease is due to unpleasant, reprehensible qualities. One of the most serious diseases of the heart is covetousness. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned his Ummah against it. He said, “Beware of injustice, for injustice will be layers of darkness on the Day of Judgement. Beware of covetousness, for covetousness destroyed those before you. It caused them to shed one another’s blood and to make lawful what was unlawful for them” (Reported by Muslim on the authority of Jabir ibn Abdullah).

When a sensible person reflects on the particular and general trials afflicting people in the world today, he will find that covetousness and avarice are among their major causes. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, covetousness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people), trials will appear, and turmoil will increase.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What will this turmoil be like?” He said, “It will involve killing, too much killing” (Reported by al-Bukhari).

Covetousness means holding fast to this worldly life. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you. What I fear for you is that the worldly riches be extended to you as they were extended to those who were before you, so you may vie with one another for them as they did, and so such riches may destroy you as they destroyed them” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Abu ‘Ubaidah).

Once you know the meaning of covetousness, you will definitely avoid it, as you will be aware of its trial that could ruin the heart. Covetousness may be understood as avarice and keenness on having what is in the possession of others, leaving no stone unturned to acquire it, and refusing to give others their due rights in what one possesses. Covetousness is a kind of miserliness, which means withholding due rights. It is one of the most reprehensible qualities. In fact, covetousness is worse than miserliness, as it is one of the causes of severing the ties of kinship, infringing the rights of others, taking their lives, and depriving people of their due rights in one’s wealth.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Beware of covetousness, for it destroyed those before you. It commanded them to commit injustice and they committed it; it commanded them to engage in wickedness and they did; and it commanded them to sever ties of kinship, and they did” (Reported by Ahmad on the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Amr).

Similarly, one of the most serious diseases of the heart is pride. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever has the weight of an ant of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise” (Reported by Muslim).

Allah, Exalted be He, says:
“So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful.” (At-Taghabun: 16)

May Allah bless you and me with the Great Qur’an and make us benefit from its verses and wise words and benefit from the guidance and right sayings of the Imam of all Messengers. I have said what you have heard and I ask forgiveness of Allah for myself, for you, and for all Muslims for any sin we have committed. Ask Allah for forgiveness. He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.