Disturber of the Hearts

The discerning scholar is adept at diagnosing the various spiritual illnesses resulting from sins, and treating the malaise in the heart. If he finds a person failing into despair, he tries to ignite the spark of hope in the heart. if, on the other hand, he see that one in a reckless and fearless state, he works to in still the fear of Allah in his heart. Thus, the scholar treats sickness by using its opposite as a cure.

Ibn al-Jawzi, has collected herein ominous narration, warnings against wrongdoing, and stories of forbidding and punishment that shake the hearts from their slumber. The self-assured one becomes anxious; the heart-hearted becomes soft; the dried tear ducts start to flow; slothful becomes motivated.