Maintain a Bright Heart
Jummah Mubarak, sis! In Surah An-Nas, Allah swt taught the Prophet (saw) to seek refuge in the Lord of Mankind, the Master of HumanKind, from the evil of the lurking whisperer, who whispers into the hearts of humankind, from among jinn and humankind. Tomorrow’s halaqah will focus on the Noor (light) within us. It’s essential to recognize that we must not only be vigilant against Shaytan's whispers but also understand that this Surah urges us to seek protection since Shaytan whispers to others, influencing our interactions with them. This powerful Surah is a concluding message in the Quran.
Being aware of those who yield to these whispers is crucial for how we respond. The ayah tells us that Shaytan whispers into the heart. The heart is safely tucked away within the ribcage, making it less accessible. So, why does Shaytan target the heart instead of the mind? Our minds are more rational than our hearts, so it makes sense for Shaytan to attack the heart. By allowing Shaytan to gradually enter, we risk becoming darker and losing sight of what’s right. Suddenly, small wrongdoings and being around sin start to feel insignificant. Succumbing to these whispers gradually darkens us, pushing away the guidance and light from Allah SWT.
But there’s light at the end of the tunnel sis…
Surah An-Nas | 114:4
مِن شَرِّ ٱلْوَسْوَاسِ ٱلْخَنَّاسِ
…From the evil of the lurking whisperer…
This ayah can also be interpreted as the whisper of the one who withdraws. Shaytan does his work stealthily, often leaving before you even realize he was there. His whispers are so faint that they can easily blend into your own thoughts. He is incredibly strategic, making it difficult to recognize them as whispers at all. However, Allah SWT provides us with guidance, instructing us to seek refuge in the one who controls all of mankind. This is powerful because even if you don’t give in to those whispers, someone else might. The beauty of this ayah lies in asking for protection from the Creator, who is aware of these subtle influences. The chain reaction can lead to significant harm, and those who don’t seek Allah SWT’s guidance can easily fall into Shaytan’s traps.
What does that look like? It resembles someone who constantly stirs up trouble and then skips away carefree—creating chaos, fallen dominos, and darkness. Shaytan made this promise long ago, though we may not remember: he intends to sow discord among humankind and pull us down with him. It takes a deep-seated hatred, jealousy, and a burning desire to dedicate oneself to causing destruction. We must be something extraordinary for him to invest so much effort in trying to lead us astray. Yet, even in the darkest places, there is still some light. Even the darkest hearts carry a spark within them, a conscious effort to seek a way out. That light is something Allah SWT has placed within us.
We can preserve that light by seeking refuge and guidance from Allah SWT. Humans are prone to err, but Allah SWT will never leave your side.
Don’t Let Anger Take Control—Focus on Staying Healthy
Shaytan often exploits our anger, leading us to react in ways that can harm our well-being. Research from the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins, and other top health institutions shows that those who frequently experience anger and fail to manage it well are at greater risk for heart issues, including heart attacks. A clinical trial funded by the NIH has linked frequent anger to a heightened risk of heart disease. The findings show that it can impair blood vessel function, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.
A 2014 study published in the European Heart Journal found that the likelihood of a heart attack was nearly five times greater in the two hours following an angry outburst, and the risk of stroke tripled. The study also revealed that more intense or frequent episodes of anger corresponded with increased heart risks. By recognizing Shaytan’s influence, we can work to maintain our composure and protect our health.
