The Heart: Centre of Body, Soul, and Morality

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 9 October 2025 The human body is a marvel of divine design. Every organ has a purpose, but among them, the heart holds a unique and central position. Though small in size, its significance in human life is immense. The heart is not only the organ that pumps blood; it is also the seat of one’s personality, emotions, intellect, morality, and spirituality. The Physical Importance of the Heart From a scientific point of view, the heart is one of the body’s most vital organs. It controls the flow of blood throughout the body, purifying it and circulating it to every part so that each organ receives life-giving oxygen and nourishment. A healthy heart beats about seventy to eighty times a minute, and through this steady rhythm, the body maintains its strength and vitality. The heart is not only a symbol of life but also the foundation of physical well-being. When the heart functions properly, the entire body remains healthy and energetic. The Heart as a Spiritual and Moral Centre Beyond its physical function, the heart is also a source of spirituality, wisdom, perception, emotion, and moral strength. Scholars and thinkers say that when true knowledge reaches the heart, it illuminates it from within. Knowledge that fails to touch the heart remains lifeless information. Such knowledge may fill the mind, but it leaves the soul empty of awareness and understanding. A poet beautifully expressed this truth: Dil-E-Beena Bhi Kar Khudā Se Talab Aankh Ka Nūr, Dil Ka Nūr Nahī Hotā “Ask God for the vision of the heart, for the light of the eye is not the same as the light of the heart.” True sight is not what the eyes perceive, but what the heart understands. It is the heart that enables a person to distinguish between truth and falsehood, between right and wrong. The Heart and Worship When a person stands in worship, Allāh does not look at the body or the outward appearance, but at the heart. If the heart is pure and the intention sincere, then the worship is accepted. It is the heart that nurtures humility, compassion, kindness, and a sense of empathy. A pure heart is not only necessary for acceptance of worship but also for living a successful and meaningful life. A heart that is clean, soft, compassionate, and full of feeling reflects the finest qualities of human character. Morality, Empathy, and the Heart The greatest beauty of human personality lies in good character, and good character springs from the heart. A soft-hearted person feels the pain of others as his own and considers helping them a personal duty. A heart filled with empathy and love benefits not only parents and relatives but also society and the nation. A person with such a heart performs all responsibilities with sincerity and devotion, seeing every act of service as a form of worship, whether it is professional work or helping someone in need. Teachers, the Heart, and the Light of Knowledge A teacher becomes a true educator only when the heart is illuminated not only by knowledge but also by sincerity, compassion, and moral strength. Teaching is not merely about finishing a syllabus or transferring information. Knowledge that does not reach the heart remains nothing but a burden of words. It neither transforms the teacher nor influences the students. When a teacher’s heart is enlightened by true understanding, he or she does more than fill students’ minds with facts. Such a teacher nurtures their character, refines their thoughts, and inspires them to live with purpose. Those engaged in education should frequently reflect on themselves, examine their inner state, and strive for moral and spiritual growth. The values and virtues mentioned in the National Education Policy 2020 are not mere words; they are a call to action. Unless teachers embody these values themselves, they cannot impart them to their students. A successful and effective teacher is one who teaches with sincerity and a pure heart, who sees teaching as an act of worship, recognizes the unique potential of each student, and guides them with love and patience. Such a teacher speaks gently, acts kindly, and carries compassion in the heart. For the students, such a teacher becomes not only an instructor but also a role model, a guide, and an inspiration. When the heart is illuminated, a person’s entire outlook on life changes. The inner vision of the heart enables one to recognize truth and justice. A heart that is awake guides its owner to make decisions based on fairness and righteousness. The enlightened heart of a teacher does not only shape his own life but also influences the entire society, for teachers form the foundation upon which a community stands. A Message to Teachers Knowledge is not about memorization or degrees. It is a light that shines from the heart and reaches others. When a teacher uses this light with sincerity, passion, and compassion, it has the power to transform generations. Such teachers not only educate but also build a nation on the path of moral and spiritual success. --------- Article in Urdu: https://newageislam.com/urdu-section/heart-centre-body-soul-morality/d/136907 Article in Hindi: https://www.newageislam.com/hindi-section/heart-centre-body-soul-morality/d/136931 Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar and regular columnist for New Age Islam URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/heart-body-soul-morality/d/137159 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism