The discerning scholar is skilled at detecting and healing spiritual ailments caused by sin. If he sees someone in despair, he tries to ignite a flame of hope in their heart. If, on the other hand, he notices that someone is irresponsible and fearless, he attempts to instill fear of Allah in their hearts. Thus, the scholar heals illness by employing its inverse as a cure.

The third masterwork in the series explores the unsettling themes of false hope, a lack of fear of Allah, and wishful thinking. These are essentially cardiac disorders, which are very common nowadays. Intimidation and deterrent are the only effective treatments for these disorders. When the heart is complacent and careless, treating it with soothing medicines is equivalent to providing a sedative to a tired patient, which worsens the drowsiness.

Ibn al-Jawzi has compiled a collection of frightening narrations, warnings against evil, and stories of foreboding and punishment to awaken hearts. The self-assured becomes worried; the hard-hearted softens; the dry tear ducts begin to flow; and the slothful becomes motivated.

The author, Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH), was a renowned scholar with considerable knowledge. While still young, he established himself as a religious and intellectual figure. He would not waste his time on frivolous hobbies and would strictly avoid any food whose origin was questionable. He was a famous preacher with broad fame; many people repented and adopted Islam under his leadership. He was also a prolific writer, with over a thousand publications covering a wide range of Islamic disciplines and sciences.