Renewal of the Heart and Soul
Phase 2 – Awakening the Heart: From Routine to Purpose
Signs of a Living Heart vs a Sleeping Heart – The Diagnosis of the Soul
So as far as our theme discussions are concerned, we have spoken extensively about the renewal of the heart. We have discussed the tools to purify it, the remembrance that sustains it, and the connection that gives it life. But this morning, I want us to pause and engage in a vital practice: self-assessment.
If our theme is the renewal of the heart and soul, we must first know: What is the current state of my heart? Is it alive, responsive, and thriving? Or is it sleeping — or worse, dead — while we go through the motions of life?
The scholars of Islam have spoken extensively about the signs of a living heart versus a sleeping heart. Let us examine them together, as a spiritual check-up before Ramadhan leaves us.
First: The Living Heart is Awake to Allah; the Sleeping Heart is Heedless.
The living heart is constantly aware of Allah’s presence. It feels a pang of guilt when it disobeys and a surge of joy when it obeys. It is sensitive to spiritual stimuli. Allah describes the Quran as:
“إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ”
“Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 37)
The sleeping heart, however, is heedless (ghāfil). It hears the Quran but does not feel it. It commits sins but feels no remorse. It stands in prayer but its mind is everywhere except with Allah. The sleeping heart is physically present but spiritually absent.
Second: The Living Heart Finds Ease in Obedience; the Sleeping Heart Finds It Burdensome.
For the living heart, prayer is a rest. The Prophet ﷺ used to say to Bilal RA:
“أَرِحْنَا بِهَا يَا بِلَالُ”
“Give us rest by it (the prayer), O Bilal.” (Abu Dawud)
Prayer was not a burden for him; it was a refuge. For the sleeping heart, however, Fajr is a heavy weight. Quran recitation feels like a chore. Fasting is just hunger and thirst. The actions are there, but the sweetness is missing.
Third: The Living Heart is Humble; the Sleeping Heart is Arrogant.
The living heart, because it is connected to Allah, recognizes its own smallness. It is quick to apologize, quick to seek forgiveness, and quick to serve others. It is soft. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِنْ كِبْرٍ”
“No one will enter Paradise who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart.” (Muslim)
The sleeping heart is hard. It struggles to say “I was wrong.” It holds grudges. It looks down on others.
Fourth: The Living Heart is Grateful in Ease and Patient in Hardship; the Sleeping Heart is Entitled and Despairing.
When blessings come to the living heart, it says Alḥamdulillāh and uses them for good. When trials come, it says Innā lillāh and seeks reward. It trusts Allah’s plan. The sleeping heart, however, feels entitled. If it receives, it is proud. If it is deprived, it is bitter and complains against Allah’s decree.
Fifth: The Living Heart is Focused on the Hereafter; the Sleeping Heart is Drowning in the Dunya.
The living heart treats this world as a bridge, not a destination. It invests in what will benefit it in the next life. The sleeping heart is consumed by status, wealth, and appearances. It grieves over worldly losses more than it grieves over missed prayers.
My brothers and sisters, this is the moment for honest reflection. Where is your heart?
If you find signs of sleep, do not despair. Ramadhan is still here. The doors of mercy are still open. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to supplicate:
“يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ”
“O Turner of hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.” (Tirmidhi)
The heart is in Allah’s Hands. He turns it as He wills. Ask Him to wake your heart, to soften it, to bring it to life.
Let us not leave Ramadhan with hearts unchanged. Let us strive for the living heart — the heart that will benefit us on the Day we meet Allah.
May Allah grant us all sound, living hearts. Ameen.
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