DUA TO PURIFY THE HEART
[Last Reviewed: September 2026]
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).
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 and yet some of us harbor ill-feelings towards others, a state that is openly expressed through harm and displeases 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 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 without repentance is like persisting in any other sin.
The Prophet (saw) taught that sin leaves a black mark on the heart, and if left unrepented, it spreads until it covers the heart entirely:
“Verily, when the slave of Allah commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. When he refrains from it, seeks forgiveness, and repents, his heart is polished clean. But if he returns, it increases until it covers his entire heart.”
[Jami'at Tirmidhi 3334, Hasan-Sahih]
This is the covering Allah describes in the Qur'an:
“Nay! Rather, the stain of what they used to earn has covered their hearts.”
[Surah Mutaffifin 83:14]
The Prophet (saw) also taught that:
“A man is deprived of provision because of the sins that he commits.”
[Sunan ibn Majah 4022, Hasan]
Ibn al-Qayyim, in Al-Jawab Al-Kafi, lists both of these among the many hidden costs of sin on the heart and life of a believer.
>> A heart covered in this way stands in direct contrast to a heart illuminated by guidance, a contrast we explore further in our post on seeking Allah's Noor.
Allah Describes the People of Jannah 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 ayahs show that a heart free from hatred is a characteristic of the people of Jannah. If Allah removes resentment before entering Jannah, it means that such impurity does not belong in a believer’s perfected state.
Scholars like Imam An-Nawawi explained in Riyad as-Salihin that speaking about someone's mistakes is permissible only for specific purposes, such as reporting an injustice to someone capable of rectifying it. Otherwise, it counts as backbiting (ghibah) and is forbidden. Islam allows exposing a genuine wrong in the right way, but it does not allow holding onto hatred.
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 fi quloobina ghillan Lillazeena amanu Rabbana innaka Raufur Raheem
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.
[Surah Hashr 59:10]
This ayah 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. Ayesha (ra) narrated: “Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to accept gifts and give something in return.”
[Sahih Bukhari 2585]
Exchanging gifts creates warm feelings and removes anger.
2. Al-Bara (ra) reported: Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “No two Muslims meet and shake hands except that their sins are forgiven before they part.”
[Abi Dawud 5212, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad]
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. Our post on Sayyidul Istighfar - the master supplication of repentance, covers this in more depth.
Why Hatred is dangerous for the Soul?
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 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.
Abdullah bin Amr reported that the Prophet (saw) said:
“The best of people are those with a pure heart and truthful tongue.”
The sahabas asked: “We understand truthful tongue, but what is a pure heart?”
He (saw) replied: “It is the heart that is pious and clean, with no sin, injustice, enmity, or envy.”
[Sunan ibn Majah 4216, Sahih]
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 is 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.
