"The Scholar Who Wrote for the Heart"
The Beginning
Every believer experiences moments when the heart feels distant from Allah.
At times, we wonder why our worship lacks sweetness, why sins feel heavy, or why the dunya occupies so much of our thoughts.
More than seven hundred years ago, one scholar dedicated much of his life to answering these very questions. His writings continue to guide Muslims who seek to purify their hearts and strengthen their relationship with Allah.
That scholar was Ibn al-Qayyim.
Who Was Ibn al-Qayyim?
Full Name: Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr ibn Ayyub al-Zur'i
Known As: Ibn al-Qayyim or Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Born: 691 AH / 1292 CE
Died: 751 AH / 1350 CE
Birthplace: Damascus, Syria
Madhhab: Hanbali
Fields of Study: Aqidah, Fiqh, Hadith, Tafsir, Tazkiyah
Known For: Madarij al-Salikin, Al-Da' wa al-Dawa', Zad al-Ma'ad, I'lam al-Muwaqqi'in
A Life Dedicated to Knowledge
Ibn al-Qayyim was one of the foremost students of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. He remained close to his teacher throughout his life, benefiting from his knowledge and sharing in many of the hardships that accompanied standing firmly for what they believed to be the truth.
Despite these trials, Ibn al-Qayyim continued teaching, writing, and calling people back to the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah. His books reveal not only a brilliant scholar but also a man deeply concerned with the condition of the human heart.
His Greatest Works
Madarij al-Salikin
A profound work on the journey of the believer towards Allah, exploring sincerity, reliance, patience, gratitude, repentance, and the many stages of spiritual growth.
Why it matters:
It teaches that drawing closer to Allah is a lifelong journey of both knowledge and action.
Al-Da' wa al-Dawa' (The Disease and the Cure)
A powerful discussion on sins, their effects upon the heart, and the path to repentance and healing.
Why it matters:
It reminds us that every spiritual illness has a cure when we sincerely turn back to Allah.
Zad al-Ma'ad
One of the most comprehensive works describing the life, guidance, character, and daily practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Why it matters:
It helps Muslims understand how to implement the Sunnah in every aspect of life.
What Did Ibn al-Qayyim Teach the Ummah?
Ibn al-Qayyim taught us:
That the heart requires nourishment just as the body does.
That sincere repentance is always open to those who return to Allah.
That true happiness is found in knowing and worshipping Allah.
That love, hope, and fear should all exist together in the believer's heart.
That the Sunnah is the practical path to drawing closer to Allah.
That knowledge should soften the heart before it fills the mind.
Gems From His Words
One of his most beloved statements is:
"In the heart there is a void that cannot be filled except by turning to Allah."
Reflection
People spend their lives trying to fill the emptiness within through wealth, careers, possessions, relationships, or status.
Ibn al-Qayyim reminds us that the heart was created for something greater.
Only remembrance of Allah, sincere worship, and closeness to Him can truly satisfy what the heart longs for.
Lessons for Us Today
Modern life offers countless distractions, yet the struggles of the heart remain remarkably unchanged.
We still battle pride.
We still struggle with sincerity.
We still seek peace.
Ibn al-Qayyim's writings continue to resonate because they speak to these timeless realities. Rather than merely identifying the diseases of the heart, he points us towards their cure: returning to Allah with sincerity, humility, and hope.
His legacy reminds us that true self-improvement begins with the purification of the heart.
Begin With Ibn al-Qayyim
If you would like to benefit from his legacy, begin simply:
Read a few pages from Al-Da' wa al-Dawa'.
Reflect on one area of your heart that needs improvement.
Increase your daily remembrance of Allah, even if only for a few minutes.
Make du'a for Ibn al-Qayyim and all the scholars who dedicated their lives to guiding hearts back to Allah.
Every journey to Allah begins with a single sincere step.
Closing Du'a
O Allah, have mercy upon Ibn al-Qayyim and reward him abundantly for serving Your religion and guiding hearts towards You. Benefit us through the knowledge he left behind, purify our hearts, increase us in sincerity, and make us among those who love You, rely upon You, and strive to meet You with sound hearts.
Ameen.
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