Purification of the Heart

Abstract

This subject will explain the development of Islamic Spirituality from Prophet Muhammad's time until now to help students understand the importance and the role of purification of the heart within the discipline of Islamic spirituality. This will provide the opportunity to critically evaluate spiritual orders of the past and the present. The subject will then discuss the common spiritual diseases of the heart, which act as a hindrance to developing a close relationship with God and also negatively impact on one's relationship with others. Diseases such as arrogance, pride, anger, heedlessness and vanity will be explained with their symptoms, causes and implications in one's life, followed by the treatment for each of the diseases. Overall comprehensive treatment of the heart will also be covered. The spiritual diseases will be analysed in the context of the contemporary circumstances.

Syllabus

The historical development of Islamic spiritualityOstentation, seeking reputation, boasting and arroganceIniquity, envy and angerMiserliness, wantonness, love of the world and fear of povertyHeedlessness, vanity, fantasising and antipathy towards deathFalse hopes, relying on other than God, displeasure with Divine DecreeNegative thoughts, derision of others and displeasure with blameComprehensive treatment of the … For more content click the Read More button below.

The historical development of Islamic spirituality
Ostentation, seeking reputation, boasting and arrogance
Iniquity, envy and anger
Miserliness, wantonness, love of the world and fear of poverty
Heedlessness, vanity, fantasising and antipathy towards death
False hopes, relying on other than God, displeasure with Divine Decree
Negative thoughts, derision of others and displeasure with blame
Comprehensive treatment of the heart
Remembrance of God and its importance
Sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad

Assessment items

1. Engagement and Participation

2. Presentation

3. Reflective Journal

4. Online Exam

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to discuss the importance of purifying the heart from an Islamic perspective

be able to describe the different diseases which impact on one's spirituality such as pride, arrogance, vanity and anger

be able to analyse critically the implications of the various diseases of the heart on ones spiritual well-being

be able to explain the symptoms and the treatment of the different diseases of the heart

be able to evaluate the diseases of the heart in the contemporary context

Assumed knowledge

Students should have a good understanding of the basic concepts of spirituality as covered in ISL170; the heart, soul and the spirit. Students would also need to have understanding of the Islamic worldview as covered in ISL100.