Understanding Amygdala Hijack: The Seat of Emotional Centeredness in Islam
When Emotions Take the Wheel: Cultivating Heart-Centered Awareness in Islam Introduction The human brain has a command center for emotions — the amygdala . It’s small, almond-shaped, and powerful, governing fear, anger, and instinctive reactions. When triggered, it can override rational thought, causing immediate, intense emotional responses. This is called an amygdala hijack : the mind’s reasoning takes a backseat while the emotional brain seizes control. In daily life, we see this when anger, fear, or attachment leads to hasty words, impulsive reactions, or decisions that betray our ethical and spiritual principles. The Qur’an reminds us repeatedly to guard the heart, exercise patience, and respond with reflection rather than unchecked emotion — principles that align perfectly with modern neuroscience. Why the Amygdala Matters The amygdala is central because it shapes how we respond to the world. When hijacked: The heart is bypassed : emotional reactions may dominate over mo...