Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart

So I've been listening to the Shaykh for about 6 years now. And he is amazing. He is educated, well spoken and his philosophies aim to bring people together and making ourselves better people. After watching his audio series on purification of the heart (amazing) I was naturally led to this book. And I have to point out this is completely different to that series. This is a very calming book. It has sections on different negative human qualities and ways in how we can improve them internally rather then externally. The different sections range from anger, jealousy, laziness etc. And they are well laid out. It gives good explanations on each quality and how we can remove or improve of ourselves from these and also the cause of these. Now this book is primarily an Islamic book however I recommend this for all. It really soothes the heart and is a great self help book. It's not a big book, nor is it a long read. However it is a lot to digest so will take a while to get through. I have been reading this for about 5 years now and still learning. Tldr: Teaches you that we need to make the changes within ourselves rather then externally. An amazing book. Will light up your heart. Has a chapter on the different character diseases that can afflict a human. From jealousy to being selfish. And teaches us how to battle these within ourselves.

This is an eye-opening book, for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Hamza Yusuf does an excellent job of linguistically expressing the major emotions which contribute to the 'Spiritual diseases of the heart', by providing both the causes and cures to these problems, in the clearest and beautiful of ways. He provides evidence using examples of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) but also alludes to modern events and issues and renowned academic ideas (for those of you who aren't interested in religious ideologies). For the people who are doing some soul searching or want peace of heart and mind for emotionally straining times, this is a good book to help you understand yourself, the human psyche and develop a way to better yourself and make rational decisions in the future, without emotional turmoil's, or less of them. I will definitely be buying more copies of this book for my family and friends. This is a timeless book and will be helpful to anyone, by the end of this book you will learn to appreciate and respect the world and its inhabitants more (in a completely serious and non-hippie way). I recommend you stop reading the reviews and buy this book, you won't be disappointed, the delivery's pretty speedy as well.

I would recommend this book to all Muslims. This book is filled with many references from the sunna, Qur'an, and works from great scholars. This is the first time I have been exposed to all these hadiths and narrations in literature, which all supported what imam mawlud was saying and has Inspired me to seek beneficial knowledge but ultimately it has given me the awareness that we should all make intention and put in actions to purify ourselves as much as possible for the pleasure of Allah. Insha'Allah I will be referring back to this book to remind myself, as us humans are forgetful, and seeking knowledge will remind us and help us be the servants of Allah, the way He wants us to be. Jazak Allah Khair to Imam Mawlud and Hamza Yusuf for translation and commentary. Alhamdullilah.

Words of wisdom to heal your heart and soul. I found this book so helpful in letting go of things which weigh me down. Ultimately the heart wants to be pure and the only way to achieve that is to remove the burden of negative feelings.

I ordered this book and after some time, it seemed apparent that for whatever reason, it was not going to arrive. So I contacted the seller and expressed my concerns. They sent out a replacement which arrived within days, I was very pleased with this diligent response. About the content of the book itself; it is an incredibly insightful read, which one will wish to refer to again and again. It has greatly impacted my perspective of myself and has helped me to set out to achieve a self awareness that will be healing and beneficial. Although this is a book on Islamic teachings of the diseases of the heart, whilst reading I found myself thinking that any open minded individual of any belief system could approach this work and see the sense in it, and benefit from its wisdom. I doubt anyone would lament money spent on this book.

Before I became Muslim, I had heard a speech by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf (the author) which very much moved me, and him, as by the end of it he was crying. The author is one of the most highly educated, intelligent and honest scholars that Muslims have today. He was originally the Muslim advisor to President Bush, but left after disagreements over the Afghan war. He is an advocator for peace, justice and human rights. In this book, the Sheikh teaches us about the diseases of the heart, e.g. greed, jeolousy, hate, anger, etc, that ultimately kill the heart. Coming from the Islamic concept of 'If the heart is pure, the whole body is pure, and if the heart is diseased the whole body is diseased', Sheikh teaches the reader about remedies to purify the heart. These rememdies come from the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), the Quran and examples of other scholars proceeding the Prophet. The book taught me to humble myself and to not be self absorbant. It really taught me what a Muslim is, and how to be one.

A very Insightful book, it taught me a lot. I loved the way its laid out, it’s easy to read and understand

A wonderfully written book for anyone to read to purify your heart and way to do it with reasons and the way explained throughly. Only problem with the book is a used one, pencil marked on most of the pages but charged me full price. Complained Amazon and still waiting for response despite promise of 48 hours respond from supplier!!

Would highly recommend this book, especially for any young adults trying to learn more about the faith. 2021 edit: This book is one of my favourites, one I turn to when I want to center myself. I've now purchased this for a friend who is reconnecting with the faith. I think tackling the diseases of the heart is the first thing a believer should do when on the path to strengthening their relationship with Allah (SWA). Once the nafs is in control, Islam becomes quite simple, inshaAllah.

Amazing Book. Must have a one time reading atleast. Very simple and easy way of explaining concept of Purifying heart on a spiritual level.

This book is a masterpiece. Hamza Yūsuf does a great job translating a beautiful poem and adds excellent commentary. Excellent literature summarized in a beautiful way, with clear language. Only wise people and honest people can benefit from this book. Anyone concerned with self growth and personal development should read it regardless of you are a Muslim or not.

5 years ago, I met the first Muslim I'd ever known in my freshman year of college. From talking with him and researching a little bit, I was already intrigued by Islam both spiritually and intellectually, but then he suggested I read this book. I was also reading the Qur'an at the time, but honestly, for someone who doesn't understand the language or history and has little guidance, the Qur'an can be pretty daunting. So, while reading the Qur'an was a beautiful experience, I'll admit that I was totally lost that first time. It's hard to connect with something you can't fully grasp in the way that it's supposed to be grasped. This book, Purification of the Heart, is what solidified my feelings for Islam. Being raised a Christian and without many Muslim friends and no scholarly guidance at all, this book spoke to my heart the way that everyone craves the speaker to preach when they go to churches or mosques or synagogues. This book simplified things for me enough so that I could actually follow along and targeted my spirituality enough to encourage and inspire me to be a better person and to continue my research in Islam. This book gave me the little taste of deep Islamic spirituality that I needed to know that it would be worth it not to give up in my studies of Islam. This book had me engulfed in the preface, man. Hamza Yusuf is an amazing writer for sure, but I think it also helps that he's a convert himself and a native English speaker. I know it's important to hold the Arabic meaning of the Quran and hadith, but we need more sources like this for the western world so that converts like myself and even just curious westerners can learn about Islam from a trustworthy source and actually understand it/benefit from it. I will suggest this book to any Muslim, converts especially, and any non Muslim who asks about Islam or even just spirituality in general.

There are a lot of lessons and practical ways to purify the heart. The content of the book will make more sense once practised while reading.