Exploring the Heart: What Your Mind Wanders To

‘IF YOU WANT to know where your heart is, see where your mind goes when it wanders.’

These profound words attributed to Ali ibn Talib (ra) inspire us to delve deep into our nafs as we approach Ramadhan.

What lies deep within our hearts—the fervent love, the intense hate, and the burning desires—naturally preoccupies the mind.

What sparks our daydreams? Is it the precious memories of loved ones, both near and far, present and departed? Maybe it’s the excitement of great wealth and the wish to enjoy luxury. Do we long for fame or power? Perhaps it’s our focus on looks and the image we present to others. Or maybe it’s the troubling feelings of fear, hatred, guilt, blame, envy, and those darker desires that take over our thoughts?

Does our mind wander to remember Him ﷻ and the meeting? Does it want to be with the Beloved ﷺ and follow his path? Does it desire Jannah? Does it find comfort in the Book, in iman, sabr, tawakkul, truth, obedience, and devotion? Is the nafs content with the pure, halal things?

When the mind wanders, does it think about the ummah? Does it feel its pain, or has it become numb? Does it search for solutions, or has it lost hope for change? Can it recognize its role, or has it isolated itself in individualism? Does it seek strength and resolve from the Truth and aim to inspire others?

Ramadhan is almost here. It is a month when the devils are shut away, revealing only our true selves.

So, if you want to know where your heart is, see where your mind goes when it wanders.