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

About Purification of the Heart

Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart is an English book that brings together a classical Islamic poem and the commentary of Hamza Yusuf. The poem, Matharat al-Qulub, was composed by Imam Mawlud (RH) and addresses the illnesses of the heart that quietly damage a person’s faith, character and relationships. Hamza Yusuf translated the poem into English and added a detailed explanation, so that modern readers can understand each disease and its remedy. If you are looking for a serious yet readable book on the inner life, Purification of the Heart is among the most widely read titles of this kind in English. This edition is published by Sandala.

Why the heart matters in Islam

The Qur’an says that on the Day of Judgment neither wealth nor children will benefit anyone except the one who comes to Allah with a sound heart. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that there is a piece of flesh in the body which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and that it is the heart. Scholars of purification across the centuries have therefore treated the heart as the centre of a believer’s effort. Purification of the Heart follows this tradition by naming the diseases honestly and offering a path to healing.

What the book covers

• The signs and symptoms of spiritual diseases of the heart, and how to recognise them in oneself
• Stinginess, envy, hatred, betrayal, resentment, showing off, arrogance, greed and lust, with their causes
• Practical remedies drawn from the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the wisdom of earlier scholars
• Explanations that connect the poem’s short verses to everyday behaviour
• A reminder that the heart can be healed through knowledge, sincere effort and the mercy of Allah Almighty

The poem and the commentary

The text is built around Matharat al-Qulub, a concise poem by Imam Mawlud (RH) that lists the diseases of the heart and the way to cure them. The commentary by Hamza Yusuf unpacks the verses, explaining terms, giving context and pointing to the Qur’anic verses and prophetic teachings behind them. Readers often say that the language is rich and rewards slow reading, and that the book is best read more than once. It is not a quick self-help read; it is a companion for long-term work on character.

Who should read this book

• Muslims who want to improve their character and sincerity before Allah
• Students of knowledge looking for an English introduction to the science of purification of the soul
• Readers struggling with envy, anger, pride or resentment who want an Islamic framework to understand them
• Teachers, study circles and reading groups who want a text to discuss chapter by chapter
• Anyone seeking a thoughtful gift for Ramadan, Eid or a personal milestone

How to get the most from Purification of the Heart

Read one section at a time and keep a notebook beside you. For each disease, write down honestly whether you see it in yourself, then note one practical step: a dua to recite, a good deed to do as its opposite, or a person to make amends with. Revisit the book every few months, because the heart changes and different chapters will speak to you at different times. Combine reading with the regular acts that purify the soul: the five daily prayers, remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, sending salawat upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and sincere repentance. Reading in a group with trusted friends can make the effort easier and more honest.

A book for a lifetime

Because the diseases it describes are part of the human condition, the book does not go out of date. A student can read it at nineteen and a parent can read it again at fifty with new eyes. It fits equally well in a personal library, a masjid reading corner or a college Islamic society collection.

Edition details

Title: Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart. Poem: Matharat al-Qulub by Imam Mawlud (RH). Translation and commentary: Hamza Yusuf. Publisher: Sandala. Format: paperback. Language: English. For the year, number of pages and other details of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar. Delivery takes about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days across the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote the poem? Imam Mawlud (RH) composed Matharat al-Qulub, and Hamza Yusuf translated it and wrote the commentary.

Is the book in English? Yes, this edition is in English.

Who is the publisher? Sandala.

Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, though the language is rich and the book rewards slow, repeated reading.

How quickly will it reach me? We dispatch the same day from Srinagar. Delivery is about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days in the rest of India.

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