Dr. Ghazala Qadri delivered the final lecture today at the Minhaj Sisters al-Tazkiya retreat. The talk focused on the love of Allah SWT and how it softens the heart, paving the way to purify it. The constant remembrance of Allah SWT will soften the heart and open it to becoming cleansed.

Allah SWT states in the Quran that it is in Allah’s remembrance that the heart finds peace. When we think about Him—His majesty, His mercy, and His blessings—it helps us remain grateful. The heart was likened to copper or silver, requiring regular polishing to prevent rust. She emphasized the importance of polishing the heart through the remembrance of Allah SWT and not letting it rust by forgetting Him.

She stated that Ghafla (heedlessness), combined with sin, causes rust to form in the heart, which results in its hardening. The furthest person from Allah SWT is the one whose heart is the hardest.

Dr. Ghazala shared ways in which the love of Allah SWT manifests itself in a person. One way is Allah SWT’s love for us. When Allah SWT loves us first, He gives us the capacity and ability to love Him. He orders His angels and all heavenly beings to love the person and places the person’s love in the hearts of people on earth.

Another way is our love for Allah SWT. Muhabba is derived from the word hub, which can mean a jar full of water brimming to the top. To love Allah SWT is to have a heart overflowing with His love—so pure and clean that there is no room for anything else.

Dr. Ghazala stressed the need for being genuine and humble. If we still desire something from Allah SWT, then we do not possess unconditional love for Him.

There are three conditions required to attain the love of Allah SWT:

1. Taqwa: Always being in a state of fear, awareness, and remembrance of Allah SWT.

2. Adab: Being truly humble.

3. Abstinence from the acts of the Nafs: Purifying the heart through the remembrance of Allah SWT.

Dr. Ghazala Qadri concluded the session by stating that the best form of Ibada (worship) is our prayers, as they are the ultimate form of remembrance of Allah SWT.

The gateway to Tazkiya is to perfect your Salah (prayer).

The session ended with Dr. Ghazala Qadri summarizing that reformation of the heart is essential for pure intentions, and we must cleanse the diseases of the heart through the remembrance of Allah SWT.

She shared her well-wishes for the participants of the al-Tazkiya retreat and prayed that Allah SWT makes it easy for them to embark on this inner journey.