A "tainted heart" in the Islamic tradition refers to a heart that has been spiritually corrupted or diseased due to sins, heedlessness of Allah, arrogance, hypocrisy, or attachment to worldly desires. The heart (qalb) holds a central role in the Quran and Sunnah because it is considered the seat of faith, intention, and sincerity. When it becomes "tainted," it affects the person's actions, thoughts, and connection to Allah.
Let us dwell on the conditions that leave our herts tainted and how to cleanse these in light of Qur'an and Sunnah. At the end of the post, do watch a short lecture by an eminent Muslim scholar and preacher Dr Haifa Younis.
What Is a Tainted Heart?
In Islamic terms, a tainted heart may include:
- Hardness of the heart – No fear of Allah, no effect from Quranic reminders.
- Hypocrisy (Nifaq) – Saying one thing and doing another.
- Arrogance (Kibr) – Thinking one is better than others.
- Jealousy (Hasad) – Resenting others' blessings.
- Love of dunya – Being overly attached to material life.
- Neglect of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) – A sign of spiritual weakness.
What the Quran and Sunnah Say About Diseased/Tainted Hearts
- Quran: There are many a Divine cautions about the tainted hearts so that beleivers pay heed to their actions that obscure their hearts that has a bad impact on their character, personality and even their lives:
- “In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:10)
- “The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit, except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Surah Ash-Shu'ara 26:88-89)
- “Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah...” (Surah Al-Hadid 57:16)
- Hadith:
- Likewise, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too has warned beleivers to keep their hearts clean and not let evil thoughts reside in their hearts.
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily, it is the heart.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Clean a Tainted Heart (Tazkiyah of the Qalb)
In Islam cleansing of heart is referred to as Tazkiyah al-Nafs (تَزْكِيَةُ النَّفْس) which means purification of the soul/self in Islam. It refers to the spiritual process of cleansing one’s inner self from sins, bad traits, and worldly attachments, and developing noble character and closeness to Allah ﷻ.
Why Is Tazkiyah Important?
- Foundation of all good character and deeds
- Essential for salvation in the Hereafter
- Source of inner peace and clarity
- Brings one closer to Allah and strengthens Iman (faith)
The Three Stages of the Nafs (as per Qur’an & scholars)
- An-Nafs al-Ammarah (The Commanding Soul)
- This is the first stage of atainted heart which os full of Base desires, urges toward sin.
- Qur'an describe this stage in Surah Yusuf (12:53): "Indeed, the soul is ever inclined to evil..."
- An-Nafs al-Lawwāmah (The Self-Reproaching Soul)
- Once the heart starts to get tainted and abounds in evil, forcing a believer to commit sins, a feeling of guilt sers in and one tries his best tp struggle between right and wrong.
- This stage is mentioned in Qur'an in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2): "And I swear by the self-reproaching soul..."
- This is the stage when puts in his best to cleanse his tainted heart
- An-Nafs al-Muṭma’innah (The Tranquil Soul)
- The more pays attention to the cleansing of the shadowed heart, more he is at peace with Allah, and trusts in Him, does good consistently.
- In Surah Al-Fajr (89:27–30) this stage is mentioned: "O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well pleased and pleasing..."
Now we come to what actions one must undertake for cleansing of his heart. There are numerous ways which if taken seriously and regulary with faith and earnest desire to repent our wrongdoings and sins, Allah is sure to listen to our woes and may forgive us. Herein under are some corrective actions for Tazkiyah al-Nafs (تَزْكِيَةُ النَّفْس):
1. Tawbah (Sincere Repentance):
- We should constantly and regularly seek forgiveness from Allah and Reflect on sins and turn back with sincerity.
- It is said in Qur'an: "Indeed, Allah loves those who repent..." (Quran 2:222)
2. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
- Reciting Qur'an regualry brings us closer to Allah and prevents evil thoughts germinating in our hearts and minds. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)
- Additionally, say the following adhkar whenever being idle :
- Tasbih (SubhanAllah),
- Tahmid (Alhamdulillah),
- Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and
- Tahlil (La ilaha illa Allah).
3. Du’a (Supplication): Continously ask Allah to purify your heart. One beautiful du’a of the Prophet ﷺ: "O Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion." (Tirmidhi)
Note: Please refere to our following reference pages on selcted supplications as mentioned in Qur'an and taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
4. Regular Qur’an Recitation with Reflection (Tadabbur):
- Mere recitation of Qur'an cannot heal our tainted hearts unless we reflect deeply on the meaning.
- We must remember that it is Divinely said that the Qur’an is a healing for the heart: “We send down in the Quran that which is healing and mercy...” (Quran 17:82)
5. Good Company (Suhbah): It is the company of people one sits in from which one absorbs ideas and impressions, wheter good or bad. Therefore we must always bee in the comapny of righteous people who remind us of Allah. This will block the ingress of evil thoughts and the Satan into our hearts.
6. Avoiding Sins and Repenting Quickly
- Small sins pile up and darken the heart. Therefore we muct immediately repent our bad deeds and start afresh with good days, lest piling of small evil deeds pile up to an extent to taint our hearts.
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart...” (Tirmidhi)
7. Sincerity (Ikhlas) in Worship: Remove hidden pride or desire for showing off (riyaa) and do good deeds only for the pleasure of Allah.
Practical Daily Habits for Heart Purification
- Istighfar Say Astaghfirullah 100 times daily
- Morning & Evening Adhkar
- Salat with focus and pray with khushu (humility and awareness)
- Observance of Qiyam al-Layl / Tahajjad / Night prayer that softens the heart
- Giving Sadaqah (charity) clears greed from the heart
- Avoiding gossip, envy, pride Watch your tongue and heart motives
A tainted heart can be healed — Islam shows the path of purification and mercy. Through repentance, remembrance, Quran, and good deeds, the heart can return to its natural, pure state. The journey of purifying the heart is ongoing, but every step taken toward Allah brings light and healing.
Today, we present an incredible antidote to cleanse our tailnted hearts as prescribed by one of the most eminent female Muslim scholars of present times, Dr. Haifaa Younis. Please watch the video:
About Dr Haifa Younis: Dr. Haifaa Younis is an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a strong background in Islamic studies. She is the founder and Chairman of Jannah Institute, an organization dedicated to Islamic education and personal development. Dr. Younis is known for her insightful commentary on the Quran and its practical application in daily life. She is also a resident scholar at the Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI).
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception / faith. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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