Episode 3: Shaky Foundations | The Faith Revival

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the powerful connection between faith (iman), the heart, and the tongue, drawing on teachings from the Quran and Hadith. The speaker emphasizes that tranquility (سكينة) in the heart, which nurtures faith, can only be achieved through controlling the tongue. Negative speech reflects a corrupt heart, while positive speech fosters a pure heart capable of receiving iman. The video encourages viewers to monitor their speech, practice remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and purify both their tongues and hearts as practical steps to build stronger faith and inner peace.

Takeaways

• 😀 Faith (iman) is the key to settling the heart and increasing tranquility within the believer.
• 😀 The heart must be in a calm state for faith to settle and grow within it, as mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Fath 48:4).
• 😀 A settled heart is essential for iman to increase. The state of the heart directly impacts one's faith.
• 😀 The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) taught that the heart cannot settle unless the tongue is controlled.
• 😀 The tongue is a reflection of the heart. If a person’s speech is harmful, it shows the condition of their heart.
• 😀 Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) likened the tongue to a spoon, emphasizing that harmful speech spoils the heart, just as a bad taste spoils food.
• 😀 The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) criticized a woman who was harsh with her tongue despite her acts of worship, showing that faith is linked to how we speak.
• 😀 To protect the heart and strengthen iman, one must protect and purify their speech.
• 😀 Speaking recklessly and sinning with the tongue harms the heart and prevents iman from settling.
• 😀 Using the tongue to remember Allah (dhikr) brings tranquility to the heart and helps it become a worthy vessel to receive faith.

Q & A

What does the Quran mention about the tranquility of the heart?

The Quran mentions that Allah is the one who sends down tranquility (sakina) to the hearts of the believers, allowing their faith to increase upon increase. This tranquility helps settle the heart and strengthens the existing faith.

What is the connection between faith and the heart according to the script?

Faith settles the heart. When the heart is unsettled and inconsistent, faith can bring peace and stability. Without a settled heart, faith cannot grow or deepen.

How does the hadith 'A person’s faith will not settle until their heart settles' relate to spiritual growth?

This hadith emphasizes that for a person's faith (iman) to become firm and stable, their heart must first be at peace. The heart is the foundation upon which faith builds and grows.

Why does the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) say that the tongue affects the heart?

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) teaches that the tongue reflects the state of the heart. If a person’s speech is corrupt or harmful, it indicates that their heart is also corrupt. In contrast, a pure and mindful tongue reflects a pure heart.

What analogy does Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahAllah) make about the tongue and the heart?

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahAllah) compares the tongue to a spoon and the heart to a plate of food. Just as a spoon tasting bad indicates the food is spoiled, harmful speech indicates a corrupted heart.

How does the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) respond to the woman who was verbally abusive to her neighbors?

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said that there is no goodness in her, despite her extra acts of worship like prayer and fasting. Her abusive speech revealed that her heart was devoid of faith.

What is the importance of guarding one’s speech in Islam?

Guarding one’s speech is essential because the tongue is a medium through which sins are often committed. To protect and nurture our iman, we must speak positively and avoid harmful or idle talk.

What does Imam Hasan al-Basri say about people who sin frequently with their tongue?

Imam Hasan al-Basri states that people who frequently sin with their tongue are reckless in their speech and are not conscious of Allah when they speak. This lack of mindfulness can corrupt the heart.

How does remembrance of Allah (dhikr) affect the heart?

Remembrance of Allah (dhikr) calms and purifies the heart. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) teaches that the heart finds tranquility through the remembrance of Allah, which is often expressed through the tongue.

What practical steps can one take to build and protect their iman?

To build and protect iman, one should focus on controlling their tongue, speaking words that are pleasing to Allah, and engaging in dhikr to purify the heart. Reflecting on the impact of their speech on their faith and heart is key to spiritual growth.