"It Is Not the Eyes That Are Blind, but the hearths within the chests that are blind"

We live in a world overflowing with imagery — screens, signs, beauty, and distraction. Our physical eyes are constantly open, constantly absorbing. But according to the Qur’an, true blindness has nothing to do with the eyes. It’s something much deeper.

"For indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearths within the chests that are blind"-Qur`an 22:46

This verse shakes us awake. It tells us that the real blindness is not physical — it's spiritual. It's the blindness of the heart, the soul, the inner self that can no longer feel truth when it touches it.

Seeing vs. Perceiving

You can see a tree and still be blind to its Creator can read a sacred text and still miss its wisdom. You can walk through the world and miss the signs shouting to your heart.

The Qur’an speaks often of signs (āyāt) — in nature, in history, in ourselves. But it also reminds us: not everyone sees them. Some hearts are so closed, so distracted, or so hardened by ego and fear that they no longer recognize the truth.

What Does It Mean for the Heart to Be Blind?

A blind heart:

• Refuses reflection or humility

• Ignores injustice and suffering

• Rejects divine reminders

• Replaces meaning with distraction

• Lives in a world without spiritual responsibility

In contrast, a heart that "sees" is:

• Awake to beauty and meaning

• Sensitive to truth, even when uncomfortable

• Guided by mercy, not just logic

• Humble before something greater than itself

  
  

The Eyes of the Heart

In Islamic spirituality, the heart (qalb) is the center of understanding — not just emotions, but deep awareness and connection to God. True knowledge flows from the heart that is polished, soft, open, and aware.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"There is a piece of flesh in the body-if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. It is the heart"-Sahih al Bukhari & Muslim.

So healing begins from within — not with vision correction, but with soul correction.

Blindness is not just about seeing — it's about missing the truth, even when it's in front of us. May our eyes see, and may our hearts never forget how to feel. In a world obsessed with appearances, let us be among those who strive to see with the heart.

Scientific Facts

Heart neurons: The heart has about 40,000 neurons, forming its own “mini brain” that can send signals to the brain.

Heart-brain communication: The heart and brain constantly talk through nerves and chemicals, affecting emotions and thinking.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Variations in heartbeat timing show how well the heart adapts to stress and emotions.

Hormones: The heart produces hormones like oxytocin, which influence feelings like love and trust.

Electromagnetic field: The heart creates the strongest electromagnetic field in the body, stronger than the brain’s.