Now, if the soul loses this feature of connecting man to...

Now, if the soul loses this feature of connecting man to Allah, then it would be devoid of all its value and it would no longer be of any benefit. It would be lifeless exactly like the physical heart at the time of death. On the one hand, the soul receives from Allah, the Exalted, the guidance, light and spiritual insight, and, on the other hand, it gives out this guidance and light to man in {manipulating} his movements, speech, stands, actions and relations.

Let us contemplate on the Qur’an to understand this bilateral role of the soul from its perspective. The Role of the Soul in Receiving Guidance from Allah The verses that point to the first aspect, that is, the role of the soul in receiving from Allah, are as follows: 1.

“The faithless say, ‘Why has not the Qur’an been sent down to him all at once?’ So it is, so that We may strengthen your heart with it, and We have recited it {to you} in a measured tone.” [^1] The Qur’an descends on the heart at once and sometimes in parts. It strengthens the heart, and the heart acquires from it the Divine light and guidance. 2.

“Allah has sent down the best of discourses a scripture composed of similar motifs, whereat quiver the skins of those who fear their Lord, then their skins and hearts soften to Allah’s remembrance…” [^2] According to this verse, the heart receives from the Qur’an that which humbles and softens it. The heart interacts with the guidance of Allah and His light which He has sent to His servants. For the Qur’an is indeed a guidance from Allah, His light, and His proof to His creatures. 3. “O mankind!

Certainly a proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a manifest light.” [^3] This guidance and light is specific to the hearts of the believers ( mu’minin ) and the pious ( muttaqin ), as they receive it and interact with it. 4. “This is an explanation for mankind, and a guidance and advice for the Godwary.” [^4] 5.

“… these are insights from your Lord, and a guidance and mercy for a people who have faith.” [^5] The Role of the Soul in Giving Out Guidance In the second aspect, the heart plays the role of disseminating the light and guidance it has received from Allah, and in manipulating the movements, speech, stands, relations and the concerns of a person.