Qalb


In Islamic philosophy, the qalb, or heart, is the origin of intentional activities, the cause behind all of humans intuitive deeds. While the brain handles the physical impressions, qalb is responsible for apprehending. Heart and brain work together, but it is the heart where true knowledge can be received.
In Islamic thought, the heart is not the seat of feelings and emotions, but of rūḥ : the immortal cognition, the rational soul.
In the Quran, the word qalb is used more than 130 times.

Stages of taming qalb

Qalb also refers to the second among the six purities or Lataif-e-sitta in Sufi philosophy.
To attend Tasfiya-e-Qalb, the Salik needs to achieve the following sixteen goals.
  1. Zuhd or abstention from evil
  2. Taqwa or God-consciousness
  3. War' a or attempt to get away from things that are not related to Allah.
  4. Tawakkul or being content with whatever Allah gives
  5. Sabır or patience regarding whatever Allah fe Subhan ta'âlâ does
  6. Shukr or gratefulness for whatever Allah gives
  7. Raza or seeking the happiness of Allah
  8. Khauf or fear of Allah's wrath
  9. Rija or hope of Allah's blessing
  10. Yaqeen or complete faith in Allah
  11. Ikhlas or purity of intention
  12. Sidq or bearing the truth of Allah
  13. Muraqabah or total focus on Allah
  14. Khulq or humbleness for Allah
  15. Dhikr or remembrance of Allah
  16. Khuloot or isolation from everyone except Allah