With The Heart In Mind: The Moral and Emotional Intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad

by Mikaeel Ahmed Smith

With the Heart in Mind is an inquiry into the nature of the intellect and how classical Islamic theologians understood the nature and function of the intellect. With the Heart in Mind asks readers to consider an alternative understanding of intelligence in which the primary function of the intellect is to know God and lead others to Him as well.



The author suggests that by studying the Emotional Intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), we improve the quality of our relationships with the people around us and we, like the Prophet (s.a.w.), can become catalysts for change around us. Emotional Intelligence within the author's model of intelligence is a tool by which the message of God is transferred to humanity. With the Heart in Mind reminds us that "To be loved by people is half of intelligence."

Genres: Islam, Psychology

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2023

About the author

Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith (Michael V Smith) is an instructor at Qalam. He is a faculty member at the Qalam Seminary. He gives lectures and conducts various classes for the community. You can listen to him regularly on the Qalam Podcast.

Shaykh Mikaeel previously served as a resident scholar at the Islamic Society of Annapolis and the Islamic Society of Baltimore. He grew up in a deeply spiritual Christian home in Buffalo, NY. At the age of 18, he embraced Islam after reading the Qur’an and the Autobiography of Malcolm X. He then enrolled at the Dar ul-Uloom al-Madania in Buffalo, NY, where he completed his memorization of the Qur’an. He continued his studies in Jami’a Abu Noor in Damascus, Syria.

In 2012, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Studies at the Dar ul-Uloom Canada in Chatham, Ontario. He is the author of With the Heart in Mind, a book exploring the moral and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He currently resides in Dallas, TX with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Kaleemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated how the author combined text heavy definitions with engaging anecdotes to understand concepts easier. A great guide to understanding how the intellect functions and how it can be rewired. Sheikh Mikael Smith wraps it up perfectly with the reminder that, “The intellect is a humble guide that yearns for the light of God to know itself and to know where it must go and how it must act.”

[Najib Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

Enjoyed reading the sections on Emotional Intelligence and the stories of our Prophet SAW. Truly true intelligence is not just being booksmart but possessing an intellect like our Beloved (SAW)

[Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright for the most part. Very philosophy focused ~ had some good incidents mentioned. However, I feel like it could have been more concise and the title can be a bit misleading since most of the book did not actually tackle it. The blurb on the other hand is quite accurate. Quite meh.

[Assala Alqahwaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, much was underlined. I would’ve liked to see more practical action items derived from the prophetic teachings!

[sumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
- insightful, brings together psychological theories and concepts with hadith and seerah
- more about becoming aware about the importance of intellect rather than how to take action/develop

[Taybah_tells · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come..