When Hearing Becomes Listening

Cultivating Heartfelt Relationships in the Way of the Prophet ﷺ

Listening with the heart is a sacred act—one that can nurture love, heal relationships, and build strong marriages and vibrant communities. In When Hearing Becomes Listening, Shaykh Mikaeel Smith shows how the Way of the Prophet ﷺ, rooted in compassion and deep emotional intelligence, empowers Muslims to become better listeners—within and with others.

This transformative book unveils the emotional and spiritual layers of attachment, highlighting how listening can strengthen the bonds that hold families and communities together. By tuning into the symphony of inner emotion and clearing away the noise, readers are guided to connect with themselves, their loved ones, and Allah more authentically.

Inspired by the Prophet’s ﷺ unmatched ability to touch hearts and leave a lasting legacy of love, this guide presents a three-tiered framework of listening:

• Listening to oneself with honesty

• Listening to others with empathy

• Listening to Allah with sincerity

More than a book, it’s a call to awaken the heart, rediscover love, and transform our relationships by following the beautiful example of the Prophet ﷺ in how we listen—and how we live.

About the author:

Mikaeel Ahmed Smith is an instructor at Qalam Institute. 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. In 2012, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Studies at the Dar ul-Uloom Canada in Chatham, Ontario.