Bird Quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya
“The heart, in its journey to Allah, Majestic is He, is like that of a bird; Love is its head, and fear and hope are its two wings. When the head and two wings are sound, the bird flies gracefully; if the head is severed, the bird dies; if the bird loses one of its wings, it then becomes a target for every hunter or predator.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Al-Fawaid al-Majmu‘ah, Ibn Qayyim Al‑Jawziyya, 13th century
The soul’s relationship with God is likened to a bird whose head is love and whose wings are fear and hope; balance lets it soar, loss leads to ruin.
In simple terms: Love guides, fear and hope sustain; imbalance harms.
Cultivate love, balance fear and hope.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- prayer
- personal reflection
- overcoming anxiety
- seeking purpose
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you nurture love while managing fear?
- What does a balanced heart look like in daily life?
If fear overwhelms hope, the soul may stall despite love.