DUA TO PURIFY THE HEART
HEART PURIFICATION SERIES – PART 1: REMOVING HATRED (GHILL)
A person can pray five times a day, fast, and give charity, yet his heart remains filled with resentment. Islam doesn't just reform actions; it also reforms hearts.
Among the hidden diseases that corrupt the inner state is ghill (غِلّ), which is hidden resentment or malice toward believers.
What is Ghill (غِلّ) ?
In Islamic terminology, ghill refers to hidden resentment, inner malice, or concealed hatred toward believers. Unlike momentary anger, ghill settles in the heart and gradually corrupts intentions, relationships, and even acts of worship.
Islam does not only regulate outward actions but also purifies the inner state. A believer’s heart must be free from envy, grudges, and ill-will.
Qur'anic Warning against Harboring Resentment
Allah has commanded us to be just and kind to all people.
Allah has bestowed upon us His immense grace and yet some of us harbor ill-feelings towards others, which is openly expressed by harming others, which is a sin.
Also Read Dua for seeking Allah's Noor
And those who harm the believing men and the believing women without reason, have sinned and displeased Allah.
“And those who annoy the believing men and the believing women without their earning it shall surely bear the guilt of calumny and manifest sin.”
[Surah Al-Ahzab 33:58]
This is a denial of Allah's mercy, and it is difficult for these people to follow the right path shown by Allah because they are unable to overcome the malice in their hearts.
Persisting in hatred darkens the heart and if a person does not truly repent, he may be deprived of spiritual acceptance and barakah.
“Allah does not like speaking evil publicly unless one has been wronged. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
[Surah An-Nisa 148]
Allah describes the People of Jannat as Pure-Hearted
Allah says in Qur'an:
“We will remove whatever bitterness they had in their hearts...”
[Surah al-A'raf 7:43]
And again:
“We will remove whatever bitterness they had in their hearts. In a friendly manner, they will be on thrones, facing one another.”
[Surah Hijr 15:47]
These ayats show that a heart free from hatred is a characteristic of the people of Jannat. If Allah removes resentment before entering Jannat, it means that such impurity does not belong in a believer’s perfected state.
Scholars like Imam An-Nawawi explained that speaking ill of others in anger in public is against the ethics of Islamic brotherhood. Islam permits complaining about wrongdoing, but it does not permit harboring hatred.
Only Allah can help them get out of it if they repent sincerely.
Dua to Purify the Heart
The following dua to purify the heart should be recited after every Salat:
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيم
Rabbanaghfir Lana Wa Li Ikhwanina Allazeena Sabaquna Bil Imaan Wa laa Taj' Al Fee Qulubina Ghillan lillazeena Amanu Rabbana Innaka Raufur Raheem
[Surah Hashr 59:10]
Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of Kindness, Most Merciful.
This ayat describes the believers who came after the Muhajireen and Ansar. Allah praises them for seeking forgiveness for the earlier believers and for seeking a heart free from hatred. This shows that purification of the heart is a sign of true faith.
Warning against Envy and Suspicion
Allah says:
“O believers! Avoid much suspicion, for indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, or backbite each other.”
[Surah Hujurat 49:12]
Hatred often begins with suspicion. Shaytan makes assumptions, and when they are ignored, they turn into resentment.
Practical Sunnah Steps to remove ill-feelings
Apart from reciting the above dua, one should also do the following to purify the heart from ill-feelings:
1. Hazrat Ayesha (r.a) narrated : “Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to accept gifts and give something in return.”
[Sahih Bukhari]
Exchanging gifts creates warm feelings and removes anger.
2. Al-Bara (r.a) reported: Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “No two Muslims meet and shake hands except that their sins are forgiven before they part.”
[Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi]
One should forgive, greet with Salam, and shake hands.
3. Pray for that person and appreciate him/her when he/she is not around.
4. Stay in touch and be patient, as sometimes the other person needs time to recover from their bad feelings.
5. Increase in Astaghfar. (See also: Syedul Astaghfar - the master supplication of repentance)
Why Hatred is dangerous for the Soul?
Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that holding grudges against believers is against the perfection of faith. A polluted heart affects all deeds, because sincerity begins from within.
Ibn al-Qayyim writes in Madaarij as-Salikeen that diseases of the heart are more dangerous than the diseases of the body, because a sick heart distort intentions, worship, and relationships. He emphasized that hostility, jealousy, and hidden resentment destroy sincerity and weaken faith from within.
Many conflicts between Muslims begin with assumptions. Satan intensifies misunderstandings until they turn into resentment. A believer should purify his heart just as he purifies his body.
Benefits of Purifying the Heart
- Strengthens unity among Muslims.
- Brings peace (Sakinah) to the heart.
- Protects from jealousy and suspicion.
- Increases sincerity in worship.
- Shields from whispers of Shaytan.
The Prophet (saw) said:
“The best of people are those with a pure heart and truthful tongue.”
The companions asked: “We understand truthful tongue, but what is a pure heart?”
He replied: “It is the heart that is pious and clean, with no sin, injustice, enmity, or envy.”
[Ibn Majah]
A believer who purifies his heart finds a peace that no victory in the world can give. Ghill suffocates the soul but forgiveness sets it free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it a sin to hate someone in Islam?
It's normal to feel angry for a while, but harboring hatred without a valid reason is a sin. Islam commands reconciliation and purification of the heart.
Q. Which dua removes hatred from the heart?
The dua in Surah Hashr 59:10 is one of the most powerful duas for removing hatred and resentment.
In Part 2 of this Heart Purification Series, we will address Hasad (envy), one of the most destructive diseases of the heart, and explore authentic Qur’anic guidance and Prophetic duas for removing it.
