Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart

5 years ago, I met the first Muslim I'd ever known in my freshman year of college. From talking with him and researching a little bit, I was already intrigued by Islam both spiritually and intellectually, but then he suggested I read this book. I was also reading the Qur'an at the time, but honestly, for someone who doesn't understand the language or history and has little guidance, the Qur'an can be pretty daunting. So, while reading the Qur'an was a beautiful experience, I'll admit that I was totally lost that first time. It's hard to connect with something you can't fully grasp in the way that it's supposed to be grasped. This book, Purification of the Heart, is what solidified my feelings for Islam. Being raised a Christian and without many Muslim friends and no scholarly guidance at all, this book spoke to my heart the way that everyone craves the speaker to preach when they go to churches or mosques or synagogues. This book simplified things for me enough so that I could actually follow along and targeted my spirituality enough to encourage and inspire me to be a better person and to continue my research in Islam. This book gave me the little taste of deep Islamic spirituality that I needed to know that it would be worth it not to give up in my studies of Islam. This book had me engulfed in the preface, man. Hamza Yusuf is an amazing writer for sure, but I think it also helps that he's a convert himself and a native English speaker. I know it's important to hold the Arabic meaning of the Quran and hadith, but we need more sources like this for the western world so that converts like myself and even just curious westerners can learn about Islam from a trustworthy source and actually understand it/benefit from it. I will suggest this book to any Muslim, converts especially, and any non Muslim who asks about Islam or even just spirituality in general.

May Allah reward and bless our brother and his family, for a wonderful and thoughtful book like this...

Love reading it over and over

I used this book in a study circle. It is well organized and was eye opening. It made me reflect and actively change my outlook on many things, Alhamdulillah.

Well presented, excellent perspective! If you are on the fence about buying, do it.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has taken a piece of the classical tradition of Islam and presented it to english speakers from all backgrounds beautifully. Great for the many muslims that are not able to get in touch with a spiritual guide or a spiritual path. Perfect for non muslims that want an even more encompassing insight into Islam in general and particularly the traditional sunni spiritual paths. Furthermore, this book shows us why God really isn't dead and is perhaps a great book for someone questioning, why bother with religion at all?

I really enjoyed reading the book. The diseases and treatments are very affective and very comprehensive. I want to congratulate Hamza Yusuf for this translation of a great Immam. It's also a good introduction for Psychobiology Student to see how a complex matter can be solved by a simple solution as described in book. A must read for office workers who fight for positions, mothers who don't have time for their kids, fathers who don't know how many kids they missing when they go to bed. This book is not for someone who don't want to see the reality and live in the dream and reject their inner most organ or who have excessive amount of ego that transgresses the limits of God.

I absolutely love the writing style of this book. Hamza Yusuf is by far one of our times great scholars. I highly recommend this book to all who are always seeking a higher level of understanding human behavior and the affects it has on the spiritual heart. From food we eat to words we speak. It can all impact the spiritual conditions of mankind. I look forward to reading many of your works God willing. May the All Mighty Creator continue to bless you Hamza Yusuf and all your loved ones and make it possible for us to increase our knowledge through you.

Would highly recommend this book, especially for any young adults trying to learn more about the faith. 2021 edit: This book is one of my favourites, one I turn to when I want to center myself. I've now purchased this for a friend who is reconnecting with the faith. I think tackling the diseases of the heart is the first thing a believer should do when on the path to strengthening their relationship with Allah (SWA). Once the nafs is in control, Islam becomes quite simple, inshaAllah.

Amazing Book. Must have a one time reading atleast. Very simple and easy way of explaining concept of Purifying heart on a spiritual level.

This book is a masterpiece. Hamza Yūsuf does a great job translating a beautiful poem and adds excellent commentary. Excellent literature summarized in a beautiful way, with clear language. Only wise people and honest people can benefit from this book. Anyone concerned with self growth and personal development should read it regardless of you are a Muslim or not.

So I've been listening to the Shaykh for about 6 years now. And he is amazing. He is educated, well spoken and his philosophies aim to bring people together and making ourselves better people. After watching his audio series on purification of the heart (amazing) I was naturally led to this book. And I have to point out this is completely different to that series. This is a very calming book. It has sections on different negative human qualities and ways in how we can improve them internally rather then externally. The different sections range from anger, jealousy, laziness etc. And they are well laid out. It gives good explanations on each quality and how we can remove or improve of ourselves from these and also the cause of these. Now this book is primarily an Islamic book however I recommend this for all. It really soothes the heart and is a great self help book. It's not a big book, nor is it a long read. However it is a lot to digest so will take a while to get through. I have been reading this for about 5 years now and still learning. Tldr: Teaches you that we need to make the changes within ourselves rather then externally. An amazing book. Will light up your heart. Has a chapter on the different character diseases that can afflict a human. From jealousy to being selfish. And teaches us how to battle these within ourselves.

There are a lot of lessons and practical ways to purify the heart. The content of the book will make more sense once practised while reading.