The Major Sins of the Heart
Sections in this guide
1. Arrogance (Kibr)
Arrogance is the belief in one’s superiority over others. It was the sin of Iblis, who refused to bow to Adam (عليه السلام) and was cast out of Allah’s mercy.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“He who has even an atom’s weight of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
(Muslim)
Symptoms of Arrogance:
- Looking down upon others.
- Refusing to accept truth from those perceived as “lesser.”
- Seeking dominance over others.
Remedy:
- Remember your origins: You were created from dust, and to dust you will return.
- Increase humility by serving others and reminding yourself that all blessings come from Allah.
2. Ostentation (Riya) – Showing Off
Riya is seeking recognition from people rather than Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The thing I fear most for you is minor shirk: showing off.”
(Ahmad)
Examples of Riya:
- Praying or giving charity for the sake of praise.
- Speaking about good deeds to gain admiration.
- Seeking leadership or fame for status, not service.
Remedy:
- Purify intentions: Before any action, ask yourself, “Is this for Allah alone?”
- Increase hidden acts of worship, such as night prayer, secret charity, and fasting.
3. Envy (Hasad)
Hasad is wishing for others to lose their blessings.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds like fire consumes wood.”
(Abu Dawud)
Signs of Hasad:
- Feeling joy at another’s misfortune.
- Wishing for the removal of someone’s success.
- Speaking ill of someone due to jealousy.
Remedy:
- Make dua for those you envy and ask Allah to grant you contentment.
- Recognize that blessings are from Allah, and His decree is just.
4. Hatred and Malice (Hiqd & Bughd)
Hate leads to broken relationships and keeps the heart filled with anger and darkness.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“It is not permissible for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three days.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
Remedy:
- Forgive others for the sake of Allah’s forgiveness.
- Suppress anger and practice patience (sabr).
5. Love of the World (Hubbu Dunya)
The love of worldly possessions and status is the root of many sins.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The love of this world is the root of all evil.”
(Bayhaqi)
Signs of Hubbu Dunya:
- Prioritizing wealth and status over faith.
- Neglecting prayers for worldly gain.
- Hoarding wealth and being stingy.
Remedy:
- Reflect on death and the fleeting nature of the world.
- Give in charity to detach from material obsession.
6. Heedlessness (Ghaflah)
Ghaflah is forgetting Allah and being distracted by worldly pleasures.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:19)
Signs of Ghaflah:
- Missing Salah without concern.
- Being absorbed in entertainment and material pursuits.
- Ignoring the Quran and Dhikr.
Remedy:
- Regular Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) purifies the heart.
- Reduce distractions by limiting social media and unnecessary interactions.
7. Miserliness (Bukhl)
The miser hoards wealth, fearing poverty, despite Allah’s promise:
Allah says:
““Whatever you spend, He will replace it.”
(Surah Saba 34:39)
Remedy:
- Give charity frequently, even in small amounts.
- Trust in Allah’s provision (tawakkul).
8. Love of Fame (Hubb al-Jah)
Seeking fame and recognition for its own sake is dangerous.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Two hungry wolves let loose among sheep are not more dangerous than a man’s craving for wealth and fame.”
(Tirmidhi)
Remedy:
- Seek sincerity by doing deeds privately when possible.
- Avoid self-promotion and excessive validation-seeking.
9. Suspicion (Su’ al-Dhann)
Bad thoughts about others lead to injustice.
Allah warns:
“Avoid much suspicion, for suspicion is a sin.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12)
Remedy:
- Always interpret others’ actions in the best way.
- Speak directly rather than assuming.
10. Self-Satisfaction (Ujb)
Feeling superior due to one’s worship or knowledge is a hidden disease.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Three things destroy a person: a greed that is obeyed, a desire that is followed, and a person being self-amazed.”
(Bayhaqi)
Remedy:
- Recognize that all success comes from Allah.
- Remember past sins and weaknesses to stay humble.
The Consequences of Heart Sins
Sins darken the heart and block divine light. A hardened heart no longer feels remorse, making repentance difficult.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a person commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, it is removed; otherwise, it spreads until the entire heart is covered.”
(Tirmidhi)
How to Purify the Heart in Ramadan
1. Engage in Dhikr:
Frequent Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) removes darkness. Recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.
2. Reflect on Death:
Visit graveyards to remember the temporary nature of life.
3. Practice Humility:
Serve others, particularly the poor and needy.
4. Pray the Night Prayer (Tahajjud):
The best way to soften the heart is through private prayer at night.
Conclusion
The heart is the key to one’s relationship with Allah. If purified, all actions become pure. If corrupted, all deeds lose their sincerity. Ramadan is the best time to work on cleansing the heart and attaining Allah’s pleasure.
Dua:
“O Allah, grant us pure hearts free from arrogance, envy, and heedlessness. Purify our intentions and make our hearts a vessel for Your love and remembrance. Ameen.”
This article serves as a guide to identifying and overcoming the sins of the heart, ensuring that our worship and actions are sincere and pleasing to Allah. May Ramadan be a time of spiritual renewal and purification for us all. Ameen.
