Athar Amal al-Qalb ala Ibadat al-Sawm
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Athar Amal al-Qalb ala Ibadat al-Sawm (The Impact of the Heart's Action on the Worship of Fasting) is a contemporary treatise on Islamic spirituality and jurisprudence by Ibrahim bin Hasan al-Hadriti, examining the essential role of internal spiritual deeds (a‘mal al-qulub) and inner purification in the practice of fasting .
Context and Purpose
The book is the second installment in the author's broader series titled Silsilat Athar Amal al-Qalb ala al-Ibadat (The Impact of the Heart's Action on Acts of Worship), published online following his work on the prayer (salat) . The author's stated purpose is to highlight how rectifying spiritual diseases and cultivating sincere inner devotion enables a worshiper to perform religious duties with proficiency, adhere to prophetic guidance, and achieve true mindfulness (khushu‘) and presence of heart .
Structure and Contents
The work is organized into four main chapters (mabahith), each subdivided into focused topics (matalib) and specific inquiries (masa'il):
General Significance of the Heart's Actions
The first chapter provides a foundational summary establishing the scriptural evidence and general impact of inner devotion on all acts of worship . It outlines the conditions for the divine acceptance of deeds—namely, sincere intention (ikhlas) for God and following the prophetic sunnah—and emphasizes striving toward the spiritual station of ihsan (excellence), where the servant worships God as though seeing Him .
Core Inward Virtues and Fasting
The second chapter examines specific virtues of the heart that directly connect to fasting during Ramadan . The author explains that fasting is inherently closer to internal deeds than to external physical actions because it is concealed from people and shielded from ostentation (riya'), citing the sacred hadith: كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلَّا الصَّوْمَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ ("Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it") . The chapter details six specific internal states:
- Sincerity (al-ikhlas)
- Certainty (al-yaqin)
- Patience (al-sabr)
- Love (al-mahabbah)
- Fear and awe (al-khawf wa-l-khashyah)
- Hope (al-raja')
Inspiring Good Deeds in Ramadan
The third chapter addresses how engaging the heart motivates a Muslim to pursue virtue during Ramadan . It explores the catalysts for good works in this month, such as longing for divine reward, the spiritual atmosphere of the month wherein the gates of Paradise are opened and devils are fettered, and mutual cooperation among believers . It also discusses the cultivation of piety (taqwa), God-consciousness (muraqabah), humility (khushu‘) across various devotions—such as ritual prayer, Quran recitation, supplication (du‘a'), and remembrance (dhikr)—and generosity toward others through charity and good character .
Restraining from Evil and Purifying Spiritual Maladies
The fourth chapter focuses on self-restraint and abstaining from wrongdoing in Ramadan . It treats:
- The diminished inclination toward sin during the month .
- Guarding the physical faculties—including the tongue, hands, eyes, and ears—from forbidden matters .
- Avoiding behaviors that impair the spiritual integrity of fasting, such as falsehood, foolishness, backbiting, cursing, and obscenity .
- Warning against spiritual diseases of the heart that jeopardize fasting, including avarice and stinginess, selfish anger, envy (hasad), malice and animosity, severance of kin, arrogance (kibr), self-conceit (‘ujb), ostentation (riya'), and seeking fame (sum‘ah) .
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