يَوْمَ لَا يَنْفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ
The day on which neither property nor children will avail, except he who comes to Allah with a sound heart.
Sura Shuara, verses 87-89
Keeping the heart sound and healthy, free of diseases and flaws, is a difficult task. It is even harder than keeping the body free of diseases. Diseases of the heart are so subtle, and creep up so quickly, that only the very alert can treat them in the initial stages. To confound it even more, there are no doctors for testing the heart. It is all internal. You are the doctor, the nurse, the one who scans, diagnoses, and prescribes the treatment. It is a daunting responsibility.
When the heart is sick it cannot carry out its functions well. It adversely affects thoughts and actions and sees all things with its diseased outlook. Uneasiness, discontent, and a general lack of direction in life are all the result of a sick heart. Sickness of the heart is a calamity which has a profound effect on the eventual outcome of the human being
Keeping the heart healthy is the full time job of the believer. You cannot afford to let in dust and dirt. It is like a garden around which you build a fence for protection. All pests and invaders are denied entry. Only then can the garden blossom and thrive.
Recite this verse when negative thoughts enter your mind, and negative emotions affect your heart. These are the bugs that bring disease. Repel them, and counter them with good and positive thoughts. Seek forgiveness and fill your heart with beautiful thoughts. It may take effort, but it is a habit that has to be learned. The emotional and spiritual health that you will gain will be well worth it.