The special place of a broken-hearted person with Allah

Unopened Doors: Prayer and Hearts Touched

Imagine having a person in front of you who possesses all the resources of the world. They are well-fed, healthy, have everything they desire, and have a vast fortune they spend recklessly, not even thinking about tomorrow. We're not making a generalization, but such individuals often rarely feel the need to pray. For them, life is just a constant pursuit of more wealth, more prestige, and higher positions. However, in the Quran, Allah the Almighty points to this ingratitude of humans and warns us:

"Whenever We bestow favors upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil befalls him, he comes full of prolonged supplications." (41/51)

"Man is, indeed, very ungrateful to his Lord. To this, he himself bears witness, and he is extravagant in his love for wealth." (100/6-7-8)

Yet, sometimes, when a person feels lost in moments of solitude, in a deep inner void, they find themselves questioning their entire existence. These moments are often when a person is closest to their Creator, embarking on an inner journey with sincere prayers that come from the depths of the heart. No matter how much they deny it, in their most desperate moments, they feel the need to seek refuge in a higher power.

This state of human beings, on one hand, reveals their vulnerability and fragility, while on the other hand, it can be an opportunity for spiritual awakening. Perhaps, amidst all this wealth and material abundance, it's time to realize that true wealth and happiness lie in establishing a spiritual connection with the Supreme Creator. Maybe, only through this journey within one's inner world can a person find the peace and fulfillment they have been seeking.

In short, prayer can be a quest within a person's inner world, a call from the depths of their soul, a warm connection with the Creator, and most importantly, a source of solace beyond all material possessions. Regardless of where a person is, whatever their circumstances, turning to the Creator with sincere intent through prayer can fill the void in their heart and help them deeply understand the meaning of life. Therefore, prayer should not only be a refuge during difficult times but should always be the most sincere expression of a person.

So, where should this quest begin? This article serves as a guide that takes an inner journey about where and how a person can seek their Creator.

Human: The Most Perfect Creation

Humans are considered the most perfect creation among all beings. Their hearts are seen as a divine sanctuary. In a Hadith Qudsi, it is stated:

"I cannot be contained by the heavens and the earth, but I can be contained in the heart of My believing servant." (Aclûnî, Keşfu’l-Hafâ, II, 195).

All of this expresses the sacred position of a faithful person and emphasizes how great a sin it is to break someone's heart.

The Special Place of Broken Hearts

The doors to the prayers and supplications of Allah's servants are always open. Even if we have committed any shortcomings or mistakes, we should turn to our Lord through repentance and prayer. Therefore, it is crucial for people to turn to Allah, help those with broken hearts, and preserve justice. Protecting justice and mercy among people, turning to Allah through prayer, and supporting the oppressed can lead to building a better, peaceful, and happier life and open the gate to paradise.

In a Hadith Qudsi narrated by the Prophet, it is said:

"On the Day of Judgment, the glorious and majestic Allah will say:

'Oh, son of Adam! I fell ill, but you did not visit Me.'

The servant will say:

'Oh my Lord, how could I visit You when You are the Lord of all worlds?'

Then, Allah will say:

'Did you not know that My servant so-and-so fell ill? Had you visited him, you would have found Me with him.'

Allah will continue:

'Oh, son of Adam! I asked you for food, but you did not feed Me.'

The servant will respond:

'Oh my Lord, how could I feed You when You are the Lord of all worlds?'

Then, Allah will say:

'Did you not know that My servant so-and-so asked you for food? Had you fed him, you would have found Me with him.'

Allah will further say:

'Oh, son of Adam! I asked you for water, but you did not give Me any.'

The servant will say:

'Oh my Lord, how could I give You water when You are the Lord of all worlds?'

Then, Allah will say:

'My servant so-and-so asked you for water, but you did not give him any. Had you given him water, you would have found Me with him.'" (Muslim, Birr 43)

One day, Prophet Moses prayed to Allah and asked:

"O Lord, where should I seek You? Where can I find You?"

And Allah responded:

"Moses! Look for Me among those with broken hearts. I approach them one step closer every day and night. If it weren't for this closeness, they would perish." (Ebu Nuaym, Hilye,  2/364 )  

Prayer is the Weapon of the Oppressed

Regardless of their belief or disbelief, the prayers of any oppressed person are presented to Allah without any barriers. The Prophet advised his companions  avoid the prayers of oppressed individuals who have such accepted prayers as stated below:  

"Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah." (Muslim, Îmân, 29)

Additionally, there are three individuals whose prayers Allah does not reject:

• The fasting person's prayer until they break their fast,

• The prayer of the oppressed,

• The prayer of a just ruler." (Tirmîzî, Deavât, 48; İbn Mâce, Duâ, 2).