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10th out of 184 books
—
190 voters
Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart
by
Hamza Yusuf
This exploration of Islamic spirituality delves into the psychological diseases and cures of the heart. Diseases examined include miserliness, envy, hatred, treachery, rancor, malice, ostentation, arrogance, covetousness, lust, and other afflictions that assail people and often control them. The causes and practical cures of these diseases are discussed, offering a penetra...more
Paperback, 220 pages
Published
June 1st 2004
by Starlatch, Llc
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A good book for self introspection not only for Muslims but also non Muslims. However, having said that the book has a major short coming in that it identifies spiritual diseases very well but does not always give adequate solutions for the cures.
I am not a proponent of Sufism and this book is seemingly geared for the Sufi reader, which is a flawed assumption. Spiritual ailments befall every single human alike, and it is not just the Sufi who seeks a cure from them. As a pragmatic and non-mystic...more
I am not a proponent of Sufism and this book is seemingly geared for the Sufi reader, which is a flawed assumption. Spiritual ailments befall every single human alike, and it is not just the Sufi who seeks a cure from them. As a pragmatic and non-mystic...more
Nice translation of the original which was by Imam Ghazali, I believe, I enjoyed the commentary as well. Every human soul should read this book- it would (hopefully) make the world a better place. Diseases are forever manifest, whether physical or spiritual, and should both be tended to.. this book brings light to the stages of spiritual corruption in regards to the heart, and shows ways to fix and heal those problems. I learned many new things which would have escaped my mind had I not read thi...more
2 likes · like · see review
Im not a big Hamza Yusuf fan, there are many things he says that I dont really settle with but as this was a translation of a book and I think he has decent arabic masha'Allah I decided to give it a go.
Im glad I did!! I read it with an online group, making notes as I went along. I learnt many things from the book and felt like a more peaceful calm person after reading it :) There was so many references and ahadith to back up the things he was saying. It contains many paragraphs on totally relate...more
Im glad I did!! I read it with an online group, making notes as I went along. I learnt many things from the book and felt like a more peaceful calm person after reading it :) There was so many references and ahadith to back up the things he was saying. It contains many paragraphs on totally relate...more
1 like · like · see review
Many are concerned with their physical looks and appearance.
One knows how to consult a doctor when they are unwell.
but not much knows how to seek treatment when their hearts are unwell.
Unraveled in a systematic manner this book I found it to be a key tool for a person to transform themselves from the inside out.
It changed me as a whole. It changed my life and even my perspective.
Great book! Change begins within. When the heart heals the body does too.
مشاءالله ما احلى كتب أنا ممكن أقرء لمرة ثنية
One knows how to consult a doctor when they are unwell.
but not much knows how to seek treatment when their hearts are unwell.
Unraveled in a systematic manner this book I found it to be a key tool for a person to transform themselves from the inside out.
It changed me as a whole. It changed my life and even my perspective.
Great book! Change begins within. When the heart heals the body does too.
مشاءالله ما احلى كتب أنا ممكن أقرء لمرة ثنية
Good book - interesting that even though it's kind of like an essay it's still an overall enjoyable read. I q's half way through when I realized he was talking about the poem in every chapter. 4/5 stars because while the book was an had some interesting and thought-provoking points, I was expecting Te book or maybe I wanted the book to go into more detail and explain how and why as opposed to just do or talking in third person. I also was expecting some type of epilogue or ending like he had wi...more
Imam Hamza Yusuf is one of America's most famous Imams, and a Sufi. He is well versed in the Arabic language and various Sufi lineage of tariqat (pathways for students of Sufism). This book goes over the pitfalls in life and the biggest challenges to avoid... because the bad we do is like a blackspot on our heart... he comes up with symptoms and cures for these diseases. A very good read, but better if reading a few chapters, then continuing after a night or two. It's pretty spiritually heavy.
I really benefitted from this book by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. His writing style is very eloquent. His book is a book on tasawwuf, the science of the heart. I would recommend this book to all those who would like to change their condition, to better themselves internally and externally. He gives remedies for all the diseases of the heart that face man.
I'm speechless when it comes to this book.
Reading is believing.
I loved the book so much such that when I misplaced the book and I thought I've lost it --it was for almost a year until I found it back-- I was so distressed; especially at that time they haven't reprint the book and everywhere is out of stock already.
Reading is believing.
I loved the book so much such that when I misplaced the book and I thought I've lost it --it was for almost a year until I found it back-- I was so distressed; especially at that time they haven't reprint the book and everywhere is out of stock already.
Borrowed this from a friend and skimmed through it. It is actually a translation of a poem made popular in west Africa which the author then comments on.
The lack of referencing is disappointing, but then again with a work like this over referencing can take away from the feel of the read.
The lack of referencing is disappointing, but then again with a work like this over referencing can take away from the feel of the read.
A good and useful text on those looking for a place to begin intellectualizing their practice beyond the 'ibadaat or rules of religion [which are still key:].
I LOVED this book...and it has an amazing list of some great supplications to get you to think of God throughout the day!
A truly great read.
A truly great read.
I looooooooooooooooooovee this book! It is oficially my favourite book now. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to purify their hearts :)
Lots of repetition from his talks, but some more details and nuance. Shaykh Hamza sticks heavily to classical works in trying to get his ideas out but I think at some point it would be good to see his own theories on morality and spiritual development. Anyways, this is certainly help me develop my own theories!
Only downsides with this, is he doesn't source hadith and no use of Arabic whatsoever. Good for getting the message across but bad for if you want to use this for learning.
I don't know h...more
Only downsides with this, is he doesn't source hadith and no use of Arabic whatsoever. Good for getting the message across but bad for if you want to use this for learning.
I don't know h...more
Important book for anyone embarking on the personal discoveries of the heart. However, the flipside is that it ends very fast!
THE book for anyone without a Mentor or access to Classical masterpieces, but serious about transforming their lives.
Love this book. Gives a "problem" of the heart like greed, envy, hate, and an antidote to fix it. Good read.
Important, practical explanation and understanding of the various diseases and their treatment.
A must-read! Shaykh Hamza Yusuf provides extensive commentary on this section of the didactic poem, highlighting the relevance of spirituality and purification of the heart in today's world.
Excellent book, very well translated. Shykh Hamza did a superb job.
One of those books one should probably read over and over again.
Amazing gift from my bestfriend...what a great book.
Jul 18, 2011
Huma Rashid
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
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islam,
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A must-read for Muslims ... and a must re-read. :P
Feb 17, 2009
mona
is currently reading it
Just started to listen to it on tape today!
Apr 13, 2009
Sarah
added it
A must read - just changes the way you think...
Wonderful book. Highly recommend it!!!!
Best spiritual book i have read!
Jan 12, 2010
Mohamed
is currently reading it
so far so good. humbling.
Virtues
Dec 24, 2012
Madinah
marked it as to-read
P
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Hamza Yusuf is a cofounder of Zaytuna College, located in Berkeley, California. He is an advisor to Stanford University’s Program in Islamic Studies and the Center for Islamic Studies at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union. He also serves as a member of the board of advisors of George Russell’s One Nation, a national philanthropic initiative that promotes pluralism and inclusion in America. In a...more
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“Hypocrisy is wretched because the hypocrite says with his tongue what is not in his heart. He wrongs his tongue and oppresses his heart. But if the heart is sound, the condition of the tongue follows suit. We are commanded to be upright in speech, which is a gauge of the heart's state.”
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Nov 12, 2012 07:06am