Hadith #8753

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ ماتَ قَلْبُهُ دَخَلَ النّارَ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose heart is dead enters the fire [of hell].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mata) "مَاتَ" in Arabic means to die or to be lifeless. In this context, it refers to the spiritual death or the lifelessness of the heart. The heart is not merely the physical organ, but it symbolizes the core of our being, our consciousness, and our spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When the heart is devoid of faith, righteousness, and sincerity, it becomes spiritually dead.

The consequence of having a dead heart is mentioned in the Hadith as entering the fire of hell. This signifies the ultimate punishment and eternal damnation for those whose hearts are devoid of faith and righteousness. It highlights the severity of the spiritual death and the dire consequences it leads to in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the concept of a dead heart and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:74)

Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness.

This verse emphasizes the hardening of the heart due to disbelief and disobedience, leading to spiritual death.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 22:46)

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse highlights the importance of having a living heart that can comprehend the signs of Allah and perceive the truth.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of nurturing a living heart, one that is filled with faith, righteousness, and sincerity. A living heart is one that is connected to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), constantly seeking His pleasure, and striving to fulfill His commands. It is a heart that is receptive to the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

A living heart is motivated by love for Allah and His creation. It is a heart that is filled with compassion, empathy, and kindness towards others. It is a heart that is constantly seeking knowledge and wisdom, striving to increase in faith and righteousness. A living heart is the source of spiritual vitality and enlightenment.

Conversely, a dead heart is one that is devoid of faith, righteousness, and sincerity. It is a heart that is hardened, closed off from the guidance of Allah and the teachings of Islam. It is a heart that is consumed by worldly desires, arrogance, and heedlessness. A dead heart leads to a life of spiritual darkness, ignorance, and ultimately, the fire of hell.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating the state of our hearts. We must strive to keep our hearts alive and connected to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, remembrance, and seeking knowledge. We must purify our hearts from negative traits such as envy, hatred, and arrogance, replacing them with love, compassion, and humility.

As Muslims, we should take heed of this profound Hadith and strive to revive our hearts by strengthening our faith, increasing in righteousness, and seeking closeness to Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us hearts that are alive with faith and righteousness, and protect us from the torment of the fire.