Rising and falling angels

Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body… (al-Ahzab:4)

Often times I met people who felt that they had changed over the course of time. More often than not, the changes were from good to something less. Some changes were caused by the environment, some were unaware of. But whenever they were subjected to the former environment, the good environment that they used to know, they wanted to become good again and it has always been a surprise for them at how readily they embrace and welcome it and at how much they actually crave for it.

Some people I have known used to ask me what if I found out who they really are (with the connotation that the real persons are not as good as the one I see). My reply has always been that it does not matter to me. I know the good person and I want to keep it at that point. As a friend of course my duty is to give advice and pray. No more than that.
The truth is Allah has not created two hearts in our body. The good news is Allah had actually put a good heart in our body. It is up to us to make it good or we want to pollute it and make it bad.
By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;- Truly he succeeds that purifies it, And he fails that corrupts it! (ash-Shams: 7-10)

Nobody but ourselves can push us towards goodness or otherwise. When we surround ourselves with good environment, bi-ah solehah, chances are we will be a better person. That nature has been in-built by Allah.

If we happen to be on the other end, always see good things in people and highlight these things to that person. By doing this in a caring way, insya Allah, we are encouraging that person to be good again. The person might not change overnight but a speck of fire can light a candle and a candle can light many more. No effort passes by in vain. We strive and leave everything in the hands of Allah. He changes people’s heart, not us.