The Head & the Heart

Man is a mixture of reason & emotion. We are moved and driven by feelings and irrational thoughts as much as we are by rational thoughts. In fact one could argue that it is our feelings, emotions and irrational thoughts that drive us more than rational thinking even though we may often subconsciously disguise this fact. This is because we tend to articulate rational justifications for views we arrived at due to emotional attachments, feelings, cultural & social factors.

But this is not necessarily a bad thing even though it is a fashion amongst many these days to regard emotions and feelings as backward and primitive aspects of our evolution. Some think we must somehow rid ourselves of them and rely solely on rational thought and logic in everything we do. They claim that they are only swayed by rational arguments and act based on reason alone. However the truth is they are just as swayed by emotions, feelings and perceptions borne of irrational ideas just as much as anyone else. Unfortunately, while we find it easy to identify other people's irrationality, we find it almost impossible to see our own.

Emotions, feelings & irrational behaviour are very much part of who we are. Human behaviour evolved this way for a very good reason as it has contributed hugely to our success on this planet. The same traits that make us irrational, swayed by emotions, frustratingly obstinate and headstrong, also makes us explorers, activists, inventors, artists, lovers and innovators.

Our emotional well being depends on embracing who we are - the emotional and the rational. We should not ignore either.

A person who ignores reason will end up with ridiculous beliefs, become gullible and can be manipulated to commit evil. While a person who ignores his emotions and feelings can become hard-hearted, cold and also susceptible to inhumane ideologies.

This is why the Qur'an emphasises both the head & the heart. The Qur'an constantly tells us to think, ponder, reflect and reason with our minds. But it also stresses the importance of the heart.

The Prophet said: "Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it be sound, all the body is sound and which, if it be ill, all of it is ill. Truly it is the heart." And he said “Piety is here,” pointing to the heart. 

The Quran, uses different words to describe the heart; qalb, fu’aad, sadr lub and albab. Of course the heart is just a physical organ that pumps blood, but it is used to refer to the part of our being that is difficult to quantify and place. That part of our human nature that finds expression through emotions, feelings, intuition, and instinct.

One should not ignore this inner voice anymore than we should ignore reason and logic. They work together to keep us balanced in mind and body.

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Verily in the remembrance of God do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

The heart is the place where one finds compassion and mercy. The Qur'an says:

وَجَعَلْنَا فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ رَأْفَةً وَرَحْمَةً

“And places compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.” (57:27)

But one can also find anger and bad temper. The Qur'an says:

وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ

“If thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee.” (3:159)

And the Qur'an says:

يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ

“The day when wealth and sons avail not anyone. Only those who come to God with a pure heart" 

There is a close and an interactive relationship between the heart & mind and taking account of both aspects of our being is essential for our well-being. It will help us enjoy peace & calmness in our life.

وَمَن يَڪۡتُمۡهَا فَإِنَّهُ ۥۤ ءَاثِمٌ۬ قَلۡبُهُ 

"And he who suppresses it, indeed he only harms his own heart."