The heart is a most fascinating organ of the body. It is indeed the king of the body. The proper function of the heart is vital for the good health of the body. Likewise, one’s spiritual well-being is also dependent upon the spiritual condition of the heart being in order.
If the heart is filled with the love of Allah Ta‘ala and His beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and is kept clean of malice, jealously, pride, suspicions and other evils, one’s spiritual state will also be “healthy.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has explained this most concisely in a hadeeth which states: “Verily in the body is an organ which, if it is in order, the entire body will be in order. And if it is corrupt, the rest of the body will be corrupt. Behold, that organ is the heart.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #52) Thus, a constant effort must be made to keep the heart clean.
The most effective way of cleansing the heart and filling it with the love of Allah Ta‘ala is to sincerely associate with those who have true hearts — hearts that are brimming with the love of Allah Ta‘ala. The effect of their piety and love for Allah Ta‘ala is bound to rub off onto those in their company. It is also important to protect the eyes, ears and tongue from all evil as these are the pathways to the heart.