Knowledge of the heart is the foundation of the Din (religion), therefore this course is a must for all Seekers of Guidance.‘The Wonders of the Heart‘ is the twenty-first book of the third quarter of the Ihya Ulum al-Din. This short course offers a detailed explanation of the text, and explores the meaning of soul (nafs), spirit (ruh), heart (qalb), and intellect (’aql). These important components as well as other including soldiers of the heart, overall attributes of the heart, the heart’s similitude and Satan’s mastery of the heart, leads one to become well acquainted with their own heart.

The Marvels of the Heart‘ is the twenty-first book of the third quarter of Imam Al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din. This 12-week course offers a detailed explanation of the text, and explores the meaning and implication of the soul (nafs), spirit (ruh), heart (qalb), and intellect (’aql). The study of these core components of our very beings enables one to become acquainted with ones own heart, which is essential for its proper protection and nurture.

Shaykh Yayha Rhodus brilliantly brings this classic text to life with his commentary on the above, as well as other key concepts including soldiers of the heart, overall attributes of the heart, the heart’s similitude, and Satan’s mastery of the heart. Essential study material for any seeker of knowledge and guidance.

To speak about the ‘Wonders of the Heart’ is from the unseen. While it is difficult for most hearts to comprehend this, one can be aided by distinguishing between four things:

Qalb- Heart
Qalb has 2 meanings:
1. The pine cone-shaped organ located in the left; it’s a flesh of a particular sort. This is the physical heart. It’s a piece of flesh which is from the material world, which doesn’t have much intrinsic value.
2. The spiritual heart; it’s a latifa, or subtlety. The spiritual heart can be killed, and can die, just like the physical heart. The spiritual heart is from the unseen world, but has a connection to the physical heart.

Ruh- Spirit
Ruh also has 2 meanings:
1. The subtle body-connection to the physical heart.
2. The subtle faculty which knows and perceives.

As long as the spirit in your body is present, you are alive.

Nafs- Soul
The Nafs is essentially who you are.

'Aql- Intellect
'Aql has 2 types:
1. The lower intellect, which is the brain
2. The higher intellect, which is located in the heart

All actions come from the heart, and all actions come from thought.

Lecture 1: Introduction to the Inner Reality of the Human Being
Lecture 2: The Special Characteristics of the Heart
Lecture 3: Summarizing the Qualities and the Similes of the Heart
Lecture 4: The Similitude of the Heart in Relation to Knowledge
Lecture 5: How the Heart Relates to the Sciences and Attaining Knowledge
Lecture 6: The Difference of the Sufis and the Theologians/Philosophers by a Tangible Example
Lecture 7: The Domination of Shaytan Over the Heart and Waswasa
Lecture 8: The Ways Shaytan Enters the Heart (Part 1)
Lecture 9: The Ways Shaytan Enters the Heart (Part 2)
Lecture 10: The Way to Ward Off Shaytan
Lecture 11: What mankind is Held and Accountable For and What is Pardoned
Lecture 12: The Rapidity of the Heart’s Changes

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"Shaykh Yahya Rhodus distills and clarifies Imam al-Ghazali's often-complex explanations so that anyone--regardless of their level of Islamic education--can understand and, insha'Allah, implement the lessons therein." (Andrew from Austin, Texas)

"I really enjoyed this class and feel that I have gained a mountain load of beneficial knowledge alhamdulillah. This is truly the best class that I have ever taken. May Allah bless Imam Ghazali for writing this book and Sh. Yahya for teaching this class." (Anonymous Student, Winter 2010 session)