What is qalb?

Qalb (قلب)

The term qalb (قلب), often translated as "heart," holds a profound significance in Islamic spiritual tradition, particularly within Sufism. It refers to more than just the physical organ; it represents the spiritual center, the seat of intuition, understanding, and divine knowledge. It is the locus of faith, love, and connection with Allah.

The qalb is considered a mirror that can reflect the divine attributes (Asma ul-Husna). However, this mirror can become tarnished by worldly attachments, desires, and negative emotions, obscuring the reflection of God's light. The spiritual journey involves purifying and polishing the qalb to restore its pristine state, allowing it to truly reflect divine reality.

Key aspects related to the qalb include:

In essence, the qalb is the battleground for the spiritual aspirant, the site where the struggle between worldly desires and divine aspiration takes place. Through dedicated spiritual practice and divine grace, the qalb can be transformed into a vessel of divine light, a source of wisdom, and a conduit for divine love.