Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf is a modern spiritual classic that translates and explains the 19th-century Mauritanian poem Matharat al-Qulub by Shaykh Muhammad Mawlud.
The Essence of the Book
The central premise is that the worldâs external crisesâwars, social injustice, and environmental decayâare merely reflections of the internal state of the human heart. Yusuf defines the heart not just as a physical organ, but as the seat of consciousness and spiritual intellect.
The book functions as a manual for "The Greater Jihad" (the internal struggle against one's lower self). It identifies over 20 spiritual "diseases," such as miserliness, envy, hatred, arrogance, and ostentation. For each ailment, the book provides:
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Signs: How to recognize the disease in your own behavior.
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Etiology: The root causes, often found in a love for the temporal world.
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Cures: Practical spiritual exercises, such as specific prayers, reflections, and changes in lifestyle to "polish" the heart.
The goal is to reach a state of Qalbun Salim (a sound heart), which is described in the Qur'an as the only thing of value on the Day of Judgment. It is a profound guide for anyone, regardless of faith, seeking psychological clarity and moral integrity.
Where to Buy (Reputable Storefronts)
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Sandala (Official Publisher): Sandala.org
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Mecca Books (International): MeccaBooks.com
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AbeBooks (New & Used): AbeBooks.com
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Amazon: Amazon.com
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