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10 Characteristics of a Person with a Pure Heart

by | Feb 3, 2023

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In Islam, a “pure heart” refers to a heart that is pure from any impurities, such as disbelief, dishonesty, jealousy, greed, hatred, and other negative traits. The heart is sincere and dedicated to worshiping Allah alone and seeking His pleasure. A pure heart is a key to attaining nearness to Allah and success in this life and the hereafter.

Characteristics of a Pure Heart 

A very important characteristic of believers is the sensitivity of the heart that enables them to derive pleasure from morality, as laid out in the Qur’an, and to feel great pleasure and peace in obeying Allah. Allah describes this sensitivity as “Allah’s guidance: 

ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَٰبًا مُّتَشَٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ

Allāh has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver from that place of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allāh. That is the guidance of Allāh by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allāh leaves astray – there is no guide for him.

 (Qur’an, 39:23)

These are some of the characteristics that define a pure heart in Islam include,

  • Taqwa (God-consciousness): 

A pure heart is always aware of Allah and His presence and strives to obey His commandments and avoid His prohibitions. Taqwa reflects deep love and reverence for Allah and is a sign of a pure heart.

  • Sincerity: 

A pure heart is sincere in its intentions, actions, and beliefs. It is not motivated by show or self-interest. Sincerity is a necessary component of a believer’s faith, as it helps purify one’s heart and soul and avoid the corruption of one’s beliefs and actions. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said

“Actions are but by intention, and every man shall have but that which he intended.” 

  • Humility: 

A pure heart is humble and acknowledges its dependence on Allah. It does not feel proud or arrogant. Humility is a necessary component of a believer’s faith, as it helps purify one’s heart and soul and avoid the corruption of pride and arrogance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Humility is a branch of faith.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

  • Gratitude: 

A pure heart is grateful to Allah for His blessings and shows appreciation for the good in life. Gratitude is a necessary component of a believer’s faith, as it helps purify one’s heart and soul and avoid the corruption of ingratitude and a sense of entitlement. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said

“Gratitude is the key to all blessings.” 

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

  • Fear of Allah: 

Fear of Allah is one of the critical signs of a pure heart in Islam. The Fear of Allah is deep reverence, respect for Him, and recognition of His power and authority. It is not a fear rooted in terror or anxiety but rather a fear that inspires awe and one to strive to please Him.

The fear of Allah is necessary for a believer’s faith to succeed in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said

“Fear Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good one, and it will wipe it out.” 

(Sahih Bukhari)

  • Love of Allah: 

A pure heart loves Allah above all else and seeks His nearness. The love of Allah is one of the most important signs of a pure heart in Islam. The love of Allah is a deep affection and devotion to Him and a desire to please Him in all things. This love is not limited to emotions or feelings but is reflected in one’s actions and beliefs.

The love of Allah is the foundation of a believer’s faith and is necessary for attaining success in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that.

“None of you will have faith until he loves me more than his father, son, and all mankind.” 
(Sahih Bukhari)

  • Patience: 

A pure heart is patient in adversity and trusts in Allah’s plan. Patience is a necessary component of a believer’s faith, as it helps to purify one’s heart and soul and to avoid the corruption of frustration, anger, and despair. 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said

“Patience is the key to all good.” 

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

  • Generosity:

A pure heart is generous and charitable, giving of its time, resources, and wealth to others. It is a necessary component of a believer’s faith, as it helps purify one’s heart and soul and avoid the corruption of selfishness and greed. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“The most beloved of people to Allah are those most generous.” 

(Sahih Bukhari)

  • Compassion: 

A pure heart is compassionate and empathetic, feeling the pain of others and seeking to help them. Compassion refers to being kind, understanding, and empathetic towards others and of seeking to alleviate the suffering of others. In the context of one’s relationship with Allah, compassion means recognizing the dignity and worth of all people and treating others with kindness and respect.

  • A solid connection to Allah: 

A person with a pure heart has a strong and sincere connection to Allah and strives to please Him.

Pure heart in the light of the Quran and Sunnah

In Islam, a “pure heart” refers to a heart that is pure from any impurities, such as disbelief, dishonesty, jealousy, greed, hatred, and other negative traits. A pure heart is the key to attaining nearness to Allah and success in this life and the hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, 

“Verily, Allah does not look at your bodies nor your appearances, but He looks at your hearts.” 

(Sahih Muslim)

Abstaining from insulting and hurting others leads to a sound heart and is the guide to success in this life and the hereafter, Says the sermon.

“A person with a purified heart will have good intentions, deeds, tongue and other senses alike,” 

Islam has a great emphasis on purifying the hearts. Those with sound hearts are also the best people in this world. 

When the Prophet was asked, “which of the people is best?” he replied: “Everyone with a pure heart and sincere in speech.”

They asked, “What is a “pure heart?” 

He said: “It is [the heart] that is pious and pure, with no sin, injustice, rancor or envy in it.”

And as one of the Prophet’s companions once said: 

“There are two deeds of mine that I have the most reliance on. First, I never speak what is unnecessary, and second, my heart is always clear towards all Muslims.”

Reciting and understanding the Quran thoroughly, as it contains enlightening healing lessons.

The remembrance of Allah also secures Hearts.

“Additionally, a sincere and submissive heart supplicating to Allah is one of the reasons for accepting prayers,”

Another hadith by Prophet Mohammed says: 

“Call upon Allah while being certain of being answered, and know that Allah does not respond to a supplication from the heart of one heedless and occupied by play.”

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