With the Heart in Mind: The Moral and Emotional Intelligence of the Prophet (S)
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AUTHOR: KRISTEN OBARSKY
This month, I reviewed With the Heart in Mind: The Moral and Emotional Intelligence of the Prophet (S) by Mikaeel Ahmed Smith, a book that explores profound questions such as, what is intelligence, and what is its purpose? The author conveys an alternative understanding of intelligence and its primary function and uses examples from the Prophet ﷺ to illustrate how we can create a positive impact around us.
I walked away feeling like I had read a shamāʾil-type book, a book that examines Prophetic character. It explores how the Prophet ﷺ broke the cultural norms of his time, even at the risk of mockery. By challenging these norms, he elevated people and humanity and established a standard for moral and emotional intelligence.
The book covers how to recalibrate empathy, deepen our understanding, and create a more compassionate world by setting our egos aside and nurturing others. The book discusses how open communication and validation are essential in marriages, families, and communities, and the importance of prioritizing others over oneself.
It is a dense book that needs to be read bit by bit, digested, and applied. I recommend the Ribaat course, Teaching Skills and Methodology, which uses this book, if you are interested in a deeper understanding of this topic. The book gave me some comfort, and it deepened my love for the Prophet ﷺ and the religion.