Why Do Some Hearts Turn to Allah While Others Don’t?
Why does one person wake up at dawn for prayer, while another continues sleeping? What makes someone walk away from easy sin even when no one is watching?
At the core of these actions lies something extraordinary—a spiritual force that scholars call “The Powerful Urge” (al-bāʿith). It is a divine awakening that stirs the soul to return to its Creator. Without it, our hearts remain dormant. With it, we begin a life-changing journey toward Allah.
What Is the Powerful Urge?
Al-bāʿith comes from the Arabic root al-inbiʿāth, meaning “emergence” or “arising.” It refers to an inner push that Allah places in the heart of someone He wants to guide—a divine invitation to come closer.
Like a wedding invitation, it signals honor and welcome. Allah, in His mercy, calls people—individually—toward Him.
If It’s From Allah, What’s Our Responsibility?
Some say, “When Allah wants to guide me, He will.” But do we say the same about earning a living? No—we work, plan, and take action, even though we believe sustenance is from Allah.
Just as we tie our camel and trust in Allah for provision, we must also take the means for spiritual guidance—through worship, reflection, learning, and surrounding ourselves with good company.
What Awakens the Urge to Seek Allah?
According to scholars, the heart is stirred by three powerful emotions:
1. Fear
Reflecting on the consequences of sin, the punishment of the grave, and the reality of standing before Allah can awaken a sleeping heart. Fear is a motivator and a mercy—it jolts us into action.
2. Hope
The Qur’an and Sunnah describe unimaginable rewards for those who return to Allah—Paradise, eternal joy, Allah’s pleasure. Knowing that even the lowest in Paradise will have more than the world and everything in it fills the heart with hope and longing.
3. Love
The most profound motivator is love for Allah. Reflect on His mercy: He forgives repeatedly, conceals your faults, and welcomes you back—no matter how many times you fall.
“Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child.” — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
When you truly internalize this love, your heart wants to turn to Him.
4. The Company of the Righteous
Sometimes, being around pious people awakens something within. Their actions, demeanor, and focus on Allah become a mirror reflecting what we’re missing.
5. Divine Grace Without Cause
Occasionally, the urge appears without a traceable reason. This is purely Allah’s grace—an unseen gaze that flips the heart toward light. This is rare, but it happens. Never count yourself out from His mercy.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Many delay their return to Allah, hoping for a “perfect” moment. But delaying is dangerous. Death does not wait. Hearts harden. The door may close.
“Journey to Allah even if you’re limping.” — Rabiʿ ibn Sulayman
Start broken. Start imperfect. But start now.
You’ve Felt the Urge—Now What?
If your heart is stirred even a little by these words, Allah has already begun to turn you toward Him. But the journey requires three immediate steps:
1. Preserve the Urge
Stay away from bad company.
Avoid environments that weaken your spirituality.
Protect yourself from Satan’s whispers by remembering Allah.
Stay close to circles of goodness and learning.
2. Strengthen the Urge
The urge can grow stronger with consistent effort:
Dhikr (Remembrance): Start today by reciting “Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdihi” 100 times.
Fikr (Reflection): Contemplate your meeting with Allah, your grave, and the Hereafter.
Ṣuḥbah (Righteous Company): Keep close to those whose presence brings you nearer to Allah.
3. Respond to the Urge
Don’t delay. Start small but start now.
Begin praying—even if your concentration is weak.
Read Qur’an—even if it’s just a few verses.
Repent—even if you feel you’ll stumble again.
What matters is responding to the urge while it’s alive in your heart. The devil wants you to wait. Don’t.
Final Reflections: A Prayer to Begin the Journey
“O Allah, kindle in my heart the desire to turn to You. Let me not leave this world without having truly sought You.”
“O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your path.”
“O Allah, You have stirred in me a longing for You—carry me the rest of the way.