The Impact of Reflection (Tadabbur) on the Heart

Signs that the Quran is reaching the heart

1) Eyes tearing up or crying out of fear of Allah

“And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth. They say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses.” Quran (5:83)

2) Increase in khushoo’

“Say, “Believe in it or do not believe. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it – when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration, And they say, “Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled.” And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur’an increases them in humble submission.”

Quran (17:107-109)

3) Increase in Iman, involuntary repetition of the ayat

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely -” Quran (8:2)

4) Goosebumps out of the fear of Allah (swt)’s punishment and then a wave of tranquility as hope in His Mercy and forgiveness settles in

“Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allah leaves astray – for him there is no guide.”

Quran (39:23)

5) Falling into prostration, feeling an overwhelming sense of humility and gratefulness

“Those were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favor from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping.” 

Quran (19:58)

6) Happiness and good tidings

“And whenever a surah is revealed, there are among the hypocrites those who say, “Which of you has this increased faith?” As for those who believed, it has increased them in faith, while they are rejoicing.” 

Quran (9:124)

7) An attentive mind and present heart, pausing in amazement of the ayat and glorifying Allah

“And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [submitting to Allah ].” 

Quran (28:53)