In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Does the ‘Aql (intellect) reside in the brain or heart?

By Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy on him

The shaykh mentions this point of benefit in his explanation of “Riyaadus Saaliheen” under the chapter “al-Muraaqabah”

Allah is The One who knows those who are treacherous and what is hidden in the chests, meaning the hearts. The hearts are in the chests and it is the heart that contains intellect, understanding, and contemplation. Allah said,

أفلم يسيروا في الأرض فتكون لهم قلوب يعقلون بها

‘So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear?’

and He said,

فإنها لا تعمى الأبصار ولكن تعمى القلوب التي في الصدور

‘For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.’ [Surah Hajj: 46]

Subhaanallah! It is as if this verse was revealed for the situation of the people today…(The question is) does the intellect reside in the brain or heart?

This issue has confused many educators who did not return back to the statement of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). The reality of this affair is clear. The intellect resides in the heart and the heart is in the chest.

‘So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear?’ [Surah Hajj: 46]

And Allah said,

‘For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.’ [Surah Hajj: 46]

Allah did not say the heart is in the brain. Therefore, this issue is very clear. The statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him) supports this as well. He said,

ألا وإن في الجسد مضغة إذا صلحت صلح الجسد كله وإذا فسدت فسد الجسد كله ألا وهي القلب

‘Indeed in the body there is a piece of flesh. If it is righteous then the entire body will become righteous. If it is corrupt then the entire body will be corrupted, and it is the heart.’ [Bukhari, Muslim]

The Book of Allah has verified that the intellect resides in the heart, and He is The Creator, The All-Knowing of everything. Also, the sunnah of the Messenger (peace be upon him) has mentioned this. So it is obligatory upon us to reject all statements which differ with the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him).

Translated by: Michael AbdusSalaam Deonarain

الفقير الى الله