13 Types of Hearts in the Qur’an
The human mind and hands constantly strive for productivity and success. However, the matter of the heart is different. While the mind seeks achievement, the heart seeks peace, contentment, and true happiness.
In the Qur’an, the word “Qalb” is used to describe the heart — not just as a physical organ, but as the center of faith, intention, and character. According to Qur’anic teachings, Allah Almighty mentions different states of the heart, which reflect different levels of faith (Emaan).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
Let us reflect on the 13 types of hearts described in the Qur’an and what they teach us about our spiritual state.
1. Qalb-e-Saleem (The Pure Heart)
This is the heart that is free from disbelief, hypocrisy, and spiritual corruption. It is protected from evil and sincerely devoted to Allah. Such hearts are beloved to Allah.
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:89)
2. Qalb-e-Muneeb (The Returning Heart)
These hearts constantly turn back to Allah in repentance. They remain obedient and mindful, correcting themselves whenever they fall short.
(Surah Qaf, 50:33)
3. Qalb-e-Mukhbat (The Humble Heart)
These are hearts filled with humility, calmness, and contentment. They bow sincerely before Allah, and in return, Allah elevates them.
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:54)
4. Qalb-e-Wajil (The Fearful Heart)
These believers perform good deeds yet remain concerned whether Allah will accept them. Their fear is not despair, but deep awareness and accountability before Allah.
5. Qalb-e-Muttaqi (The Righteous Heart)
These hearts honor the sacred boundaries and symbols of Allah. They show respect for acts of worship and remain mindful of their conduct, even in small matters.
6. Qalb-e-Mahdi (The Guided and Content Heart)
These hearts are satisfied with Allah’s decisions. They accept His decree with patience and trust, believing that even difficulties carry hidden blessings.
7. Qalb-e-Mutma’een (The Tranquil Heart)
These are hearts that find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Through dhikr (remembrance), they achieve true contentment.
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)
8. Qalb-e-Hayee (The Modest and Sensitive Heart)
These hearts reflect upon the consequences of wrongdoing and take lessons from the fate of previous nations. They avoid arrogance, disbelief, and immorality, choosing modesty and sincerity instead.
9. Qalb-e-Mareed (The Diseased Heart)
This heart is afflicted with doubt, hypocrisy, lust, greed, and spiritual weakness. The Qur’an describes such hearts as spiritually sick, leading their owners toward misery unless they seek cure through repentance.
10. Qalb-e-A’maa (The Blind Heart)
These hearts are spiritually blind and deaf to the truth. They reject guidance despite clear signs. The Qur’an describes them as those who neither truly see nor hear.
11. Qalb-e-Ghaafil (The Neglectful Heart)
This is the heart that becomes heedless of the Qur’an and overly attached to worldly distractions, forgetting its ultimate purpose.
12. Qalb-e-Asamm (The Sealed Heart)
These hearts knowingly conceal the truth. History shows that communities who hide truth and justice ultimately face downfall.
13. Qalb-e-Mutakabbir (The Arrogant Heart)
The final type is the arrogant heart — proud, rebellious, and dismissive of truth. Arrogance distances a person from Allah and leads to oppression and destruction.
A Moment of Reflection
Place these 13 types of hearts before you and reflect honestly: Which one describes your heart today?
If you find weakness within yourself, turn back to Allah. A diseased heart can be healed. A hard heart can be softened. A distant heart can return.
Allah’s mercy is vast, and when we sincerely repent, He opens the doors of His grace.
May Allah grant us Qalb-e-Saleem — a pure heart that leads us to peace in this life and success in the Hereafter.