Imam Ghazzali is well known for his writings on philosophy, reformation, rectification and purification of the hearts. This book is no exception to these subjects. As the title suggests, Imam Ghazzali lays open the hearts and exposes their diseases, ailments, maladies, virtues, merits and values. In so doing, he proves that the hearts are capable of both good and evil, and that it is upon us to either cleanse and purify them, or to soil and contaminate them. Purification of the hearts would lead to a life of peace, tranquility, satisfaction, Paradise, and the eventual pleasure of Allah. On the other hand, contamination of the hearts would lead to a life of stress, tension, constant fear, dissatisfaction, Hell, and the displeasure of Allah.

Imam Ghazzali provides copious proofs from the Qur'an, Hadith and sayings of the pious. This most certainly increases the value and benefit of the book.

This book is a must-read for those who wish to understand the virtues and diseases of the hearts, and to adopt the correct measures on the path of purification and reformation.