Purification of the Heart - Avoiding Temptations

Islam teaches the importance of purity of belief and heart. It warns against polluting the heart with doubts or defiling it with desires. In times when people are far from the guidance of the Prophet, the need to hold fast to the sources of Islam becomes even more important. The Prophet said, "No time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than it. 

(Al-Bukhari)1

One of the effects of temptations is that anyone who leans toward them will be affected by their corruption. The Prophet said, "And whoever looks at them [temptations], they will take hold of him." 

(Bukhari)2

Pure and true Islam teaches the importance of following the two lights: the Quran and the Sunnah. It warns against anything that goes against them, as it leads to corruption of the heart.

When doubt enters the heart, it is difficult to remove it. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "When a servant exposes himself to misfortune, Allah leaves him to himself."3

Neglecting one's duties, rushing towards evil deeds, and relying on television broadcasts as a guide lead to destruction. When the heart is darkened by numerous sins, it becomes burdensome to perform righteous deeds, while accepting falsehood becomes easy. During a time when the revelation was descending and the companions were closely adhering to the Prophet, peace be upon him, he expressed his concern about tribulations. When he saw Umar ibn Al-Khattab holding a portion of the Torah, his face changed color, he said, "Are you confused, O son of Al-Khattab? By the One in whose hand is my soul, I have brought it to you pure and clear. Do not ask them about anything, for they may tell you the truth and you reject it, or they may tell you falsehood and you believe it. By the One in whose hand is my soul, if Moses were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me." 

(Narrated by Ahmad)1

Whoever exposes themselves to doubts and desires, and then seeks to rectify their heart, will find it resistant. Many have stumbled and been destroyed, and many have strayed without hope of being retrieved. The soul is greedy when you give it a chance, so restrain it with the reins of obligations and prohibitions. Whoever exercises patience against their desires will reap abundant fruits.

So stay away from the causes and sources of temptations, for their proximity is a trial that can hardly be escaped. Those who hover around the flames are likely to fall into it. Safeguard yourself with the provisions of knowledge and seek the company of the righteous. Follow the path of truth and adhere to the path of guidance. Strive to preserve your beliefs.

The scholars used to advise one another to distance themselves from the sources of temptation. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"The army of desires leads to deviation, and the army of false doubts. Whichever heart inclines towards them and seeks refuge in them, it will be saturated with them. Then its tongue and limbs will overflow with their consequences. If one consumes the doubts of falsehood, suspicions, suspicions, and fallacies will erupt from their tongue and actions."1

1 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "No time will come except that the time after it is worse than it," Hadith number (7068), narrated by Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "The tribulation of the one who remains seated is better than the one who stands," Hadith number (7082), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

3 Majmoo' Fatawa Sheikh al-Islam (577/10).

1 In al-Musnad, Hadith number (15156), narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Miftah Dar al-Sa'adah (140/1).