Four Poisons of the Heart


1. Unnecessary Talking

Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“A person who talks too much is a person who often makes mistakes, and someone who often makes mistakes, often has wrong actions. The Fire has a priority over such a frequent sinner.”


2. Unrestrained Glances

It has been related that the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) once said words to the effect:
“The glance is a poisoned arrow of shaytan. Whoever lowers his gaze for Allah, He will bestow upon him a refreshing sweetness which he will find in his heart on the day that he meets Him.”


3. Too Much Food

Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’d Yakrib said:”I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) say:
“The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allah than his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing.”


4. Keeping Bad Company
Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:

“The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is I like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith’s bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof.”