Silsilah as-Sahihah 2735 — Prophetic way to soften hearts

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) about the hardness of his heart. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him, "If you want to soften your heart, then feed the poor and pat the orphan on the head."