This video post is an excerpt from a recent Study Circle live session within Awakenings Academy, where we delved into the heart-centered teachings of Sufism. In this session, we explored how the path to spiritual growth begins with the heart—an organ that is not just physical, but deeply spiritual, serving as the core of human existence.
Verily, We have granted you a manifest victory.
Surah al-Fath, 48:1
Sufism and the Way of the Heart
Love is the key to transformation, healing, and transcendence—fall in love with the Divine and everything else will fall into place.
The heart’s expansion is synonymous with both spiritual awakening and inner conquest—a dual victory that forms the essence of the Sufi path. The Arabic term fath signifies this simultaneous opening and triumph, reminding us that true victory is over the self, not others.
The heart’s expansion begins with dhikr, the remembrance of Allah. By consistently turning towards God, the heart not only softens but also heals and becomes receptive to divine light, love, and mercy. This spiritual awakening transforms the heart from a state of constriction, often caused by ego and worldly distractions, into one of growth and life. As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained, the difference between a living heart and a dead heart lies in dhikr. It is this divine connection that nourishes the heart, making it alive, compassionate, and capable of radiating love.
Sufism teaches that humanity is caught between two realms: the angelic and the animalistic. Our actions reflect either higher spiritual qualities or lower instincts. The process of purifying the self, known as jihad an-nafs or the “greater jihad,” is central to Islamic spirituality. This struggle isn’t merely about restraint but about redirecting the heart towards God, allowing His light to replace the darkness of the lower self.
The broader context of this inner journey is captured through a metaphor from Frank Herbert’s Dune: “desert power.” In the story, this power refers not to physical might but to a resilient spirit rooted in faith. It’s this type of strength that the early Muslims embodied, enabling them to rise as a spiritual civilization guided by divine principles rather than material ambitions. The historical decline of the Muslim ummah is often attributed to a shift towards materialism and away from faith. Thus, returning to spiritual roots is the key to reclaiming both individual and collective strength.
Modern society often equates progress with material success, which inadvertently leads to spiritual and even physical ailments. Heart disease, the leading cause of death today, serves as a symbolic reminder of a greater spiritual malady—disconnection from God. As Sufism emphasizes, real healing and transformation begin with a heart filled with love for the Divine. In this state, the heart becomes a mirror, reflecting divine light onto creation, guiding humanity back to compassion, mercy, and spiritual balance.
Fall in Love and Stay There
The heart must be alive with love, compassion, and remembrance of God, for it is the only way to truly heal and transform.
The true Sufi way transcends mere observance of religious rituals; it calls for an inward journey that aligns the heart with the divine presence. The forms of religion are essential, but without inner transformation, they remain hollow. As the Prophet ﷺ warned, even those who outwardly perform religious duties but lack inner sincerity risk losing their spiritual essence.
Ultimately, the way of the heart is about falling deeply in love with God. It is about seeking His pleasure above all else, letting divine light heal and purify us. In this path, the heart’s conquest over the self is not merely a victory but a lifelong journey toward becoming vessels of love, light, and service to humanity.
