What is the remedy for hardness of heart, intrusive thoughts, and lack of devotion in reading the Quran, and how can one achieve devotion, awe, the sweetness of faith, and sincere repentance after repeatedly committing sins and repenting?

The rectification of the heart is a Muslim's objective, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "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."

Sins and transgressions cover the heart and prevent it from benefiting from admonition and remembrance. Allah the Almighty said: "No! Rather, what they used to earn has stained their hearts." Sins cause a desolation in the heart that no worldly pleasure can balance.

The cure for the heart's desolation is sincere repentance accompanied by remorse and a firm resolve not to return to sin, in addition to: 1. Increasing supplication and humble entreaty to Allah to keep the heart steadfast upon His religion. 2. Keeping the company of the righteous and virtuous. 3. Attending circles of remembrance (dhikr) and gatherings of knowledge. 4. Focusing the heart and listening attentively when reciting and hearing the Quran. 5. Striving against the self in supererogatory acts of worship to draw closer to Allah. 6. Not abandoning obedience on the pretext of showing off (riya'), but striving for sincerity. 7. Repenting repeatedly upon falling into sin, and not despairing of Allah's mercy.