The Impurities Left by the World in the Heart
Human beings become so immersed in the world’s transient anxieties and ceaseless desires that sins gradually transform their hearts into a pitch-black stone and rusted iron. Shaykh Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) announces the most effective remedy for this spiritual darkening with the words of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him): “Indeed, hearts do become soiled and rusty. Their polish is reciting the Quran.” The heart is the central hub (shah) that governs all feelings and thoughts; without a purified heart, even the physical acts of worship performed by the body cannot bring true peace. “The heart is the shah of all emotions.
The Purifying Power of Repentance and Remorse
Removing this rust from the heart is not only possible through reciting with the tongue but also through sincere tears and deep remorse (repentance). True spiritual awakening comes alive according to the rule, “The tree of repentance grows with the water of regret.” Therefore, every believer who wants to awaken from the sleep of heedlessness should turn inward without delay and respond to the call, “Polish your being darkened by sin,” and seek refuge at the door of Allah.