Renewal of the Heart and Soul

Phase 2 – Awakening the Heart: From Routine to Purpose

Signs of a Spiritually Sleeping Heart

Ramadhan is a month meant to awaken the heart. But how do we know if our heart is truly awake, or if it is spiritually asleep? The Prophet ﷺ warned:

أَلاَ إِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً، إِنْ صَلُحَتْ صَلُحَ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ، وَإِنْ فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ

“Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt — and that is the heart.” (Bukhari 52, Muslim 1599)

A spiritually sleeping heart may look active — it prays, it fasts, it reads Qur’an — yet it remains disconnected from Allah because it has not awakened inwardly.

Signs of a Sleeping Heart

Lack of Awareness in Worship

• Actions are performed mechanically.
• Prayer, fasting, and charity are done for habit, not for Allah.

قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ

“Say, I am only a human being like you; it is revealed to me that your god is One…” (Surah Al-Kahf 18: 110)

Even the Prophet ﷺ reminds us that humans are prone to routine without reflection.

Weakness in Gratitude

• A sleeping heart rarely remembers Allah’s blessings.
• It complains, envies, or remains dissatisfied.

Allah says:

وَلَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” (Surah Ibrahim 14: 7)

Gratitude is the heartbeat of the soul. Without it, the heart remains inert.

Indifference to Sin

• Repeated sins without remorse indicate spiritual dormancy.
• The heart is hardened and unaware of its own corruption.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

عَلَيْكُمْ بِالإِخْلَاصِ فَإِنَّهُ شَعَارَةُ المُؤْمِنِينَ

“Hold fast to sincerity, for it is the distinguishing mark of the believers.” (Bayhaqi)

When the heart stops caring about sincerity, it is asleep.

Distraction by the World

• Excess focus on wealth, status, or entertainment.
• Lack of reflection during daily routines.

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquillity.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13: 28)

If dhikr feels difficult or boring, the heart is asleep.

Awakening the Heart

• Pause before every action: “Am I doing this for Allah?”
• Reflect on blessings at every meal and prayer.
• Repent immediately after wrongdoing.
• Reduce distractions that numb the heart.
• A sleeping heart can be awakened if nurtured with intention, reflection, and sincere worship.