What is the way to reform and refine the heart and achieve heartfelt acts of worship, such as humility (khushu') and reliance upon God (tawakkul)? And is it advisable to read the book "Madarij al-Salikin," or are there any reservations concerning it?

The foundation of righteousness is the soundness and purity of the heart, as stated in the Hadith: "Indeed, there is a piece of flesh in the body, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart." And in another Hadith: "The faith of a servant will not be upright until his heart is upright."

Therefore, the treatment for spiritual lethargy begins with reforming and purifying the heart. Humility (khushu') is achieved by knowing that it is the essence of prayer, and that prayer without humility is like a dead body. Humility is also among the requisites for success, as Allah Almighty says: "Successful indeed are the believers those who are humble in their prayers." Humility is achieved when the servant fully engages in their prayer, turns away from worldly distractions, performs the prayer according to its prescribed manner, ponders over the invocations, and reflects upon the meanings of the verses.

As for reliance on Allah (tawakkul), it is a state composed of several matters, as mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim, which are: 1. Knowledge of the Lord and His attributes. 2. Taking the necessary means (asbab). 3. The heart's firm establishment in the station of monotheism (tawhid). 4. The heart's reliance on Allah and its tranquility with Him. 5. Having good thoughts about Allah. 6. The heart's submission to Allah. 7. Delegation (of affairs to Allah). 8. Contentment (with Allah's decree).

As for steadfastness (istiqamah), its path involves: maintaining the obligatory duties, increasing supererogatory acts, attending circles of knowledge and remembrance, learning the rulings of Islamic law, keeping company with righteous people, avoiding the company of evil individuals, frequently contemplating death, Paradise, and Hellfire, reflecting upon the names and attributes of Allah, frequently reciting the Quran with contemplation, and striving in supplication.