Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb

Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb (When the Heart Retires into Devotion) is a spiritual treatise authored by Abd al-Rahman bin Abd al-Aziz al-Aql, completed in Ramadan 1435 AH (July 2014) in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb. The book focuses on the inner spiritual dimensions of devotional retreat (iʿtikaf), arguing that while physical seclusion inside a mosque is an outward requirement, the core objective is the retreat and devotion of the heart to God Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.

Purpose and Core Theme

The author notes in the introduction that many people perceive iʿtikaf solely as a physical stay inside a mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb. While acknowledging this physical retreat as a necessary legal condition, al-Aql emphasizes that the true purpose is achieving the "retreat of the heart" (iʿtikaf al-qalb), since the heart is the primary locus of God's regard Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb. Drawing parallels between fasting and iʿtikaf, he explains that both share the primary objective of rectifying the heart through piety and purifying it from worldly distractions Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.

Structure and Contents

The treatise is organized around eleven key spiritual characteristics (simat) intended to help the worshipper realize the inner essence of devotional retreat:

1. Severing Ties with Creation (Qatʿ al-ʿAlaʾiq ʿan al-Khalaʾiq): Seeking solitary devotion with God, freeing the heart from worldly attachments, and avoiding socializing, following the view attributed to Ahmad ibn Hanbal that one in retreat should avoid mingling with people even for teaching knowledge or reciting the Quran Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.
2. Living with the Quran (al-ʿAysh maʿa al-Qurʾan): Engaging in deep contemplation (tadabbur) of scripture rather than mere hasty recitation, repeating impactful verses to internalize their meanings, and reading with glad tidings and joy Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
3. Gathering the Heart and Sincere Devotion (Jamʿiyyat al-Qalb wa Sidq Iqbalih): Focusing the heart wholly upon God to mend its dispersion, drawing upon explanations by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya regarding how fasting and retreat cure the heart of excess food, drink, company, speech, and sleep Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.
4. Sensing God's Presence (Istishʿar Maʿiyyat Allah li-ʿAbdih): Cultivating internal watchfulness (muraqaba) and awareness of God's all-encompassing knowledge during acts of worship, which fosters sincerity and dispels worldly distractions Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.
5. Venerating God (Taʿdhim Allah Taʿala): Deepening reverence and awe of God in the heart by contemplating His divine names, majesty, and attributes revealed in Quranic texts and prophetic hadiths Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
6. Utter Need and Destitution Before God (Iftiqar al-ʿAbd ila Rabbih): Embodying brokenness (inkisar), humbleness, and total reliance upon God as the core of servitude (ʿubudiyyah) Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
7. Recalling God's Favor and Grace (Istihdar Minnat Allah wa Fadlih): Acknowledging divine benevolence in granting faith and guidance, which cleanses the soul of conceited pride (ʿujb) and the sense of conferring favors through one's deeds Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
8. Confessing Sins and Shortcomings (al-Iʿtiraf bi-l-Dhanb wa-l-Taqsir): Following the examples of the prophets and righteous predecessors who prefaced their supplications with confessions of wrongdoing and personal inadequacy Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.
9. Persistent Remembrance of God (al-Iqbal ʿala Allah bi-Mudawamat al-Dhikr): Maintaining continuous remembrance (dhikr) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) across all situations to revitalize the heart and safeguard against hypocrisy Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
10. Abundant Supplication (al-Iqbal ʿala Allah bi-Kathrat al-Duʿaʾ): Beseeching God earnestly with brokenness and humility, especially during the nights of Ramadan, prioritizing comprehensive Quranic and prophetic prayers Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.
11. Humility and Submissiveness (al-Ikhbat wa-l-Khushuʿ): Fostering genuine internal softness and submission of the heart, which naturally reflects on outward bodily comportment, particularly during prayer and prostration (sujud) Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb+1.

The author concludes the work by noting that although these eleven qualities are framed around iʿtikaf, they represent the spirit and core objective of all Islamic acts of worship Hinama Yatakif al-Qalb.