Introduction
In my previous post, I explored the importance of cultivating excellence as a foundational pillar of high-performance habits. Known as Ihsan (إحسان) in Arabic, this concept stands at the very core of Islamic teachings. Ihsan transcends the boundaries of ritualistic worship, calling believers to embody a heightened state of awareness—living each moment in mindfulness of Allah and striving for perfection in all aspects of life. It is the essence of faith, the spirit of worship, and the foundation of noble character. Ihsan challenges us to present the best version of ourselves, whether in devotion to Allah, our professional pursuits, or the care and nurture we extend to our family and community.
In this blog post, we will explore the profound Quranic and Hadith teachings on Ihsan and outline practical steps to weave this transformative principle into the fabric of everyday life.
Understanding Excellence (Ihsan)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) defined Ihsan in the Hadith when The messenger Angel Gabriel asked him about it:
” أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاكَ ”
(To worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, believe that he surely sees you)
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 50)
This Hadith teaches us that when we stand in prayer before Allah, we should do it with the best effort and sincerity, as though we are standing directly before him and seeing him. And if we cannot achieve that sense, we should remember that he is watching us. Imagine if each one of us approached every action with this mindset- wouldn’t our action be nearly flawless?
This profound definition highlights two aspects of Ihsan:
1. Consciousness of Allah’s Presence: Living with a sense of accountability and mindfulness, knowing Allah is always watching.
2. Striving for excellence: Performing every act with sincerity, dedication, and excellence.
Dimensions of Excellence (Ihsan):
1. Ihsan in Worship: A Higher Level of Devotion
Ihsan in worship means performing every act of devotion with full sincerity and focus, aware of Allah’s constant observation. This transforms routine rituals into acts of profound spiritual connection.
Allah commands excellence in worship in the Quran:
“إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ”
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)
Excellence in worship is not merely about performing obligatory acts; it’s about perfecting them, being mindful of their significance, and seeking closeness to Allah through them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized:
“إن الله يحب إذا عمل أحدكم عملاً أن يتقنه”
“Verily, Allah loves that when any of you performs a deed, he perfects it.”
(Sunan Al-Bayhaqi)
Action Plan:
• Approach Salah with presence (khushoo), imagining yourself standing before Allah.
• Perfect the recitation of the Quran, understanding its meanings, and applying its teachings.
• Regularly engage in voluntary acts of worship like non-obligatory prayers, zikr, and fasting.
2. Excellence (Ihsan) in Relationships: Compassion and Integrity
Ihsan is not limited to worship; it extends to how we interact with others. It is the practice of kindness, fairness, and selflessness in relationships.
Kindness to Parents and Relatives
Allah says:
“وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنكُمْ وَأَنتُم مُّعْرِضُونَ”
“And ˹remember˺ when We took a covenant from the children of Israel ˹stating˺, “Worship none but Allah; be kind to parents, relatives, orphans and the needy; speak kindly to people; establish prayer; and pay alms-tax.” But you ˹Israelites˺ turned away—except for a few of you—and were indifferent”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)
This verse highlights that Ihsan requires us to honor our parents, support the vulnerable, and maintain kind speech with all people.
Kindness to Others
Allah ordered us to be good to others in this verse:
“وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَأَحْسِن كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ”
“Seek the ˹reward˺ of the Hereafter utilizing what Allah has granted you, without forgetting your share of this world. And be good to others, as Allah has been good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah certainly does not like the corruptors”
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77)
This verse reminds us to emulate Allah’s mercy and generosity in our dealings with others.
Kindness to Everything Even to Animals
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that Ihsan extends to our interactions with others. He said:
“إن الله كتب الإحسان على كل شيء ، فإذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة ، وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبحة ، وليحد أحدكم شفرته ، وليرح ذبيحته”
“Indeed, Allah has prescribed Ihsan (kindness) in all things, even when slaughtering animals”
(Sahih Muslim, 1955)
This Hadith emphasizes that excellence should permeate every action, whether in how we treat family, neighbors, or even animals.
Forgiveness and Generosity
The Quran further describes the people of Ihsan, to include those who give charity, control their anger and forgive people:
“ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلْكَٰظِمِينَ ٱلْغَيْظَ وَٱلْعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ”
“[They are] those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship, and who restrain anger and pardon people. And Allah loves the doers of excellence.”
(Surah Aal-E-Imran, 3:134)
Action Plan:
• Treat your parents with kindness and care, especially in their old age.
• Support relatives, orphans, and the needy with both material and emotional assistance.
• Control anger and practice forgiveness, even when it’s difficult.
3. Excellence (Ihsan) in Work and Efforts
Ihsan in work means performing every task with dedication, precision, and sincerity, regardless of its nature or scale. This aligns with the Prophetic teaching:
“إن الله يحب إذا عمل أحدكم عملاً أن يتقنه”
“Verily, Allah loves that when any of you performs a deed, he perfects it.”
(Sunan Al-Bayhaqi)
Action Plan:
• Strive for excellence in your profession, aiming to serve others while seeking Allah’s pleasure.
• Balance your responsibilities at work, home, and community with fairness.
• Begin and end your work with dua, asking for Allah’s guidance and blessings.
Rewards of Excellence (Ihsan): Divine Love and Eternal Bliss
The Quran repeatedly assures believers of the immense rewards of Ihsan:
“هَلْ جَزَآءُ ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنُ”
(Is there any reward for goodness other than goodness?)
(Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:60)
And:
“لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ وَزِيَادَةٌۭ ۖ وَلَا يَرْهَقُ وُجُوهَهُمْ قَتَرٌۭ وَلَا ذِلَّةٌ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ”
“Those who do good will have the finest reward and even more. Neither gloom nor disgrace will cover their faces. It is they who will be the residents of Paradise. They will be there forever”
(Surah Yunus, 10:26)
The “best reward” refers to Paradise, while the “more” represents the ultimate joy of seeing Allah—a reward beyond imagination.
Conclusion
Ihsan is the crown of Islamic ethics, a quality that brings depth and beauty to every aspect of life. It calls us to worship Allah sincerely, treat others with kindness, and strive for excellence in every endeavor. By embodying Ihsan, we draw closer to Allah and attain His love and eternal blessings.
As Allah reminds us:
“وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ”
“Indeed, Allah is with the doers of excellence.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69)
Let us strive to embody Ihsan in our worship, work, and relationships, seeking to perfect our deeds and elevate our character. In doing so, we fulfill our purpose as stewards of this world and prepare for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.
Mashallah , A few words with many meanings, I hope you continue to publish these wonderful articles
A few words with many meanings, I hope you continue to publish these wonderful articles