Re-reading the Concept of “Heart” from the Perspective of the Qur’an and Narratives and Its Application in Human Life

Examining the role and position of each organ of the body is of particular significance for leading a healthy and faithful life. On the one hand, their significance and vital role in a believer’s life are reminded and explained, and will result in individual’s care in maintaining health, and on the other hand, will lead to familiarity with human’s religious duties regarding each body organ. This is so consequential that if the Qur’an intends to express the factors of degeneration and excellence of individuals, it refers to their non-utilization of some organs of the body. In the narratives by the Infallibles (AS), special attention has been paid to the use and importance of body organs. The present article explores the concept of one of the most important organs of the body, i.e. the “heart”, with a descriptive-analytical method. The result is that in the Qur’an, the heart is used in the sense of reason and understanding, the soul and the center of emotions. In the narratives, too, the heart is mentioned as the chief organ of the body, and the superior status of the heart to other organs of the body, its states and types are discussed. Among the positive impacts of the heart upon life are good faith in God, the intention of approximation in worshipping and remembrance of God. In contrast, heart damages include suspicion concerning God and people and reflection on sin.