Al-Ghazali’s scientific discoveries
Al-Ghazali’s findings in modern psychology and neuroscience revolve around the sinoatrial node (SA node), which is a cluster of cells located in the right atrium of the heart. It serves as the heart’s natural pacemaker and plays a crucial role in regulating the heart’s rhythm.
Heart muscle cells contract to pump blood, triggered by an action potential that spreads through the muscle cell membrane. This happens because the heart has a mechanism to generate its own electrical impulses for contraction and relaxation. In modern science, within a second, an electrical impulse originating from the SA node flows downward through both atria in a wave about 1/10 millivolt high, enabling atrial muscles to contract.
Al-Ghazali, in ‘Ajaib al-Qalb, refers to this as the qalb spot, which is microscopic and located within the heart cavity, akin to the SA node. He suggests that this qalb spot is the source of the soul or life force, spreading throughout the body via blood vessels, carrying sensory, visual, auditory, olfactory perceptions, and other bodily functions.
Al-Ghazali’s depiction of the SA node extends beyond its physical dimension, portraying it as a metaphysical entity, a center of intuitive knowledge or divine inspiration capable of conveying messages from God to His servants. However, only those who have undergone purification of the soul (tazkiyah an-nafs) or have faith in Allah can activate this sinoatrial node.
Modern thinkers often acknowledge that actions sometimes occur through mechanisms beyond conscious awareness. Al-Ghazali attributes these actions to the SA node and suggests that the mysterious controller of the body is the qalb spot, not the brain. He asserts in ‘Raudhat ath-Thalibin wa ‘Umdat as-Salikin’ that human actions originate from the will, first evident in the heart (qalb), then spreading through the animal spirit as a subtle vapor within the heart hole, ascending to the brain, and flowing through the entire body.
In 1991, Dr. J. Andrew Armor, a pioneer in neurocardiology, introduced the concept of the “heart brain.” His findings revealed that the heart possesses a complex intrinsic nervous system sophisticated enough to qualify as a “little brain” on its own. The heart brain comprises various types of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins, and supporting cells, resembling those found in the brain. Its complex circuitry enables it to function independently of the cranial brain—learning, remembering, thinking, and even feeling.
The cardiac nervous system consists of approximately 40,000 sensory neurons, detecting hormones, neurochemical circulation, heartbeat, and pressure information. Hormonal, chemical, speed, and pressure information are translated into neurological impulses by the cardiac nervous system and sent from the heart to the brain through several afferent pathways. Through these nerve pathways, signals of pain and other sensory perceptions are transmitted to the brain. These afferent nerve pathways enter the brain at the medulla, located in the brainstem. These signals regulate many autonomic nervous system signals flowing from the brain to the heart, blood vessels, glands, and other organs. However, these signals also flow to higher brain centers where they can influence perception, decision-making, and other cognitive processes.
The communication between the heart and the brain, in the beliefs of the Sufis, is seen as a symbol of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Mecca is the city where the Kaaba is located, and on one side of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, a reddish-black stone. Similarly, the heart contains a reddish-black point on one side. Meanwhile, Medina is where the Prophet migrated to strategize and strengthen the Islamic mission; in our bodies, Medina represents the brain.
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