Dear Brothers and Sisters!
As of yesterday, we have reached the blessed month of Ramadan. This month is a unique opportunity for training our hearts and purifying ourselves spiritually. Allah (swt) states in the Qur’an: “On that Day, neither wealth nor children will benefit anyone—except those who come to Allah with a sound heart.”^[1] This divine message clearly shows us that a person’s true worth is not measured by their wealth, status or outward appearance, but by the purity and sincerity of their heart. Our Prophet (saw) also drew attention to this standard when he said: “Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”^[2] For this reason, we must give importance to educating our hearts and spiritually purifying ourselves. Of course, the righteousness of the heart gains meaning when acts of worship are performed in accordance with religious guidelines. In Islam, the purpose of individual worship is to cleanse the heart and purify the soul. In this way, a person can fulfill the sole purpose of their creation and become a conscious servant of Allah.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In us, the heart is the centre of faith. Belief settles in the heart, intentions are formed in the heart and actions happen from the heart. When there is sincerity in the heart, a person’s words and deeds become beautiful. However, when the heart is neglected, spiritual illnesses such as arrogance, envy, hatred, anger, hypocrisy and love of this world begin to surround it. These illnesses harm not only the individual but also society. Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) informed us of this truth with the following hadith: “Pay attention! There is a piece of flesh in the body: if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”^[3]

Dear Jama’ah!
The first step in training the heart is for a person to hold themselves accountable. Reviewing our intentions and striving to perform our acts of worship sincerely, solely for the pleasure of Allah, purifies the heart. Spiritual purification, on the other hand, is achieved by abstaining from sins and making repentance a regular part of our lives. Sins darken the heart, while worship and repentance illuminate it. Rasulullah (saw) informed us that every sin leaves a stain on the heart and sincere repentance erases these stains. Otherwise, one is subject to the Qur’anic warning directed at wrongdoers: “The sins they earned have rusted over their hearts.”^[4] May Allah protect us and our loved ones from being among those whose hearts are corroded with rust and dirt.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
One of the most effective ways to purify the heart is to establish a connection with the Qur’an. The Qur’an is a healing and mercy for the hearts. Salah, dhikr and dua keep the heart alive and cleanse it from spiritual impurities. Also, forgiving others, letting go of hate, and wishing good for people are all signs of a mature and well-trained heart. A compassionate heart draws closer to Allah’s mercy. The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (saw) said: “Show mercy so that you may be shown mercy. Forgive so that Allah may forgive you.”^[5] Let us remember that a pure heart is the foundation of a peaceful life, strong faith and beautiful character. Whoever trains their heart with faith, piety and good morals will find peace in this world and attain eternal salvation in the Hereafter. Let us strive to purify our hearts again every day, aiming to meet Allah (swt) with a sound heart. May Allah (swt) make us among those whose hearts are pure and whose intentions are sincere. Ameen.

[1] Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:88-89

[2] Müslim, Birr, 34

[3] Buhârî, Îmân, 39

[4] Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:14

[5] Ahmed b. Hanbel, Müsned, II. 219

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