The human body is a miraculous system. With the advancement of science, the connection between the brain and the heart has been studied more deeply. However, what’s interesting is that in the Qur’an, the center of reasoning and understanding is not the brain, but the heart. Is this merely a metaphorical expression, or does it hold a deeper wisdom?
Scientific Perspective: Brain and Heart Connection
For a long time, science considered the brain as the sole controller of thought and emotions. Different parts of the brain are responsible for memory, emotions, and decision-making. However, modern research in neurobiology and psychology has shown that human thoughts and feelings are not only rooted in the brain. The heart also plays a significant role in this process.
For example, neurons discovered in the heart — known as the “heart brain” — indicate that the heart can send independent signals to the brain. It not only responds to signals from the brain but can also influence brain activity. Thus, human decisions and emotions are influenced not just by the brain, but also by the heart.
The Role of the Heart in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, the heart is not described merely as a physical organ, but as the center of thought and perception:
“They have hearts with which they do not understand.” (Surah Al-A’raf, 179)
“Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Surah Muhammad, 24)
These verses clearly suggest that the heart has a cognitive and perceptive function. This refers not only to the physical heart but also to a person’s inner world — their soul and emotions.
The Heart in Islamic Philosophy and Sufism
In Islamic thought and Sufism, the heart is considered the spiritual center of a person. The purity of the heart plays a key role in understanding truth. Therefore, in Islam, faith and understanding of God depend not only on intellectual reasoning but also on an open and receptive heart.
If a person’s heart is darkened or hardened, they cannot perceive the truth. In the Qur’an, this state is described as a “sealed heart”:
“Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 7)
This means that truth is grasped not only with the mind but also through the heart. According to Islamic teachings, closeness to God, spiritual elevation, and finding the right path are only possible through a clean and open heart.
Imam Al-Ghazali called the heart “the spiritual mirror of the human,” stating that the human nature is originally pure, but sins and moral corruption cloud the heart. If one keeps the heart pure, they can perceive the truth.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah emphasized that the heart is “the spiritual center” and that true wisdom resides only in a purified heart. He believed that the mind and heart must work in harmony to reach true understanding.
Science and Islam: Converging Views on the Heart
Modern science increasingly recognizes concepts such as intuition and emotional intelligence. These show that people can make correct decisions not only with logic but also through emotions and inner perception. This aligns closely with the role the Qur’an assigns to the heart.
Islamic scholars also see the heart as the core of spiritual development. They stress the importance of purifying the heart and turning it toward God as a path to human perfection.
Conclusion
The emphasis the Qur’an places on the heart is not just symbolic. The heart is more than a biological organ — it is the center of spiritual, emotional, and even cognitive life. As science advances, this truth becomes more evident.
The Qur’an’s portrayal of the heart as the center of awareness and comprehension carries profound meaning. Scientific findings on the brain-heart connection shed light on this spiritual insight. In Islam, the heart is a measure of one’s faith, spiritual awareness, and ability to perceive the divine truth.
Therefore, it is essential — both religiously and scientifically — to maintain a pure heart, to nourish it spiritually, and to seek inner peace.
The heart is not just a beating muscle — it is the mirror of the soul. True success and happiness in life are only possible when the heart and mind work together in harmony.