Sakinat al-Nafs wal-Qalb

Tranquility is serenity, dignity, and calmness in the heart of a believer, strengthening his faith and conviction in the truth, so that he is not shaken by trials and tribulations. Allah, the Exalted, says regarding the descent of tranquility upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the believers on the day of Hunayn: “Allah has certainly helped you in many places, and on the day of Hunayn, when its great multitude pleased you, but it did not avail you anything, and the earth was constrained for you despite its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing. Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers, and sent down soldiers you did not see, and punished those who disbelieved. And that is the recompense of the disbelievers.” Similarly, on the day of Hudaybiyyah, Allah, the Exalted, sent down tranquility and reassurance upon them: “Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with a near victory.”

In summary, the greatness of Allah, the Exalted, and His divine presence bring tranquility and reassurance to the believer’s soul, as Allah, the Exalted, says: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”

Causes of Tranquility

Among the practical causes of tranquility for the self and heart is the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted: “Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” This includes constant seeking of forgiveness, sending blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and saying, “There is no power and no strength except with Allah,” as well as persistently reciting the morning and evening supplications.

The second cause is prayer, which brings rest to the soul. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say, when troubled or concerned about a matter: “O Bilal, give us relief through prayer.” He also said: “The coolness of my eyes has been placed in prayer.” Allah, the Exalted, commands: “And seek help through patience and prayer.”

The third cause is supplication. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge from anxiety, sorrow, incapacity, laziness, stinginess, cowardice, being overwhelmed by debt, and the dominance of men. He also taught the supplication of Dhun-Nun (Jonah): “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

Recitation of the Quran

The fourth cause, which aids in the well-being of the soul and brings tranquility, is the daily recitation of the Quran. One should not sleep without reciting Surah Az-Zumar and Surah Bani Isra’il (Al-Isra’). The daily Quranic portion serves as protection for souls from hidden influences and safeguards them from effects such as magic and the whispers of Satan, as mentioned in Al-Mu’awwidhatayn (the two chapters of refuge), Surah Al-Ikhlas, and Ayat al-Kursi. This constitutes a shield for the self, ensuring safety from psychological influences, Satan’s whispers, and his followings.

Divine Guardianship

Whenever a person increases in the ranks of faith, Allah’s guardianship over him increases. Allah has promised us precious rewards, which are easy with Him. Allah has not asked us for much, yet He has granted us abundant recompense for it. The well-being of the soul is a great blessing in human life, bringing happiness in this world and success in the Hereafter.

Among the deeds that help achieve peace of mind, inner well-being, and the occurrence of tranquility is being assured of Allah’s guardianship, knowing that He will not abandon you to yourself. Allah says: “Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve – their allies are Taghut. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.”

Places Where Tranquility Descends

Tranquility is mentioned in several contexts. Regarding prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When the prayer is established, do not stand up until you see me.” There is also an instruction to maintain tranquility during Hajj, specifically when departing from Arafat to Muzdalifah, when stoning the Jamarat, during remembrance of Allah, and when carrying a funeral procession. A Muslim should supplicate to Allah, the Exalted, to send down tranquility upon him. If he attains it through this, he has achieved a great gift and a significant bounty.

(This lecture was delivered at Fatima Al-Jassar Mosque in the Al-Shuhada area.)