Ehsan: what is it?

 Significance of Ihsan in Islam

THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM

Atif Noor Khan

The concept of Ihsan means that a Muslim is a responsible person and a person of quality where he does things in a very good manner, in a complete sense, in a nice and tasteful way and is never satisfied with anything other than a quality job in all that he/she does, motivated by realizing that Allah prescribed Ihsan to everything and to all deeds. Ihsan: “it’s to worship Allah as you are seeing Him and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you.” This is the Prophet’s definition of the term “Ihsan”, and it signifies that a person, who is characterized with Ihsan, does everything perfectly as he sees his MASTER watching him. “Allah, Most High, says: “Nay, whoever submits his whole self to Allah and is a doer of (Ihsan) good he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah: 112).

“Allah commands justice, (Ihsan) the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.” (An-Nahl: 90). “Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do (Ihsan) good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet) and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious. “ (An-Nisa’: 36). There are three important concepts of Islam: Islam, Iman and Ihsan.

Ihsan is one of the most important principles of Islam. The Qur’an has more than 66 verses on this subject. Actually the whole Qur’an guides to Ihsan, which means doing everything in an excellent manner and it also means doing the acts of charity and kindness. The best definition of Ihsan comes in a Hadith, in which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says: “(Ihsan is) it’s to worship Allah as you are seeing Him and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 48) In prayers and in relation to Allah, feel His presence. In relations to parents, honor them, be thankful to them and do your duties towards them. In relations to other relatives, recognize their rights, be good to them and help them if they need help. In relations to people in society, who are weak, needy and poor, be charitable and nice to them. In human relations in general, be good to others. Even those with whom you disagree in matters of faith, present to them the message, but have no aggression towards them: “But because of their breach of their Covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard: they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them. You will not cease to find them - barring a few - ever bent on (new) deceits. Pardon them, then, and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loves those who are kind.” (Al-Ma’idah: 13). In relations to the whole world including vegetables, animals and even inanimate things, do not waste, do not misuse or abuse, and be thankful to Allah.

“Do no mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good.” (Al-A`raf: 56). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah has prescribed that you do everything in an excellent and nice manner.” (Muslim, Hadith No.3615). Finally, Just do good, because Allah loves those who do good things: “But do good; for Allah loves those who do good.” (Al-Baqarah: 195)”. The concept of Ihsan has been understood differently by various Islamic scholars. For example, some scholars explain Ihsan as being the “inner-dimension” of Islam whereas shariah is often described as the “outer-dimension”. Ihsan is excellence in worship, work, and in social interactions. For example, ihsan includes sincerity during Muslim prayers and being grateful to parents, family, and God.

On the authority of Omar, who said: “One day while we were sitting with the messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said:”O Muhammed, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadhan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said:”You have spoken rightly”, and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about eman.”He said:”It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said:”You have spoken rightly”. He said: “ Then tell me about ehsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Omar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Jebreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion.” (Sahih Mslim)

The concept of Ihsan has been understood differently by various Islamic scholars. For example, some scholars explain Ihsan as being the “inner-dimension” of Islam whereas shariah is often described as the “outer-dimension”. Ihsan is excellence in worship, work, and in social interactions. For example, ihsan includes sincerity during Muslim prayers and being grateful to parents, family, and God. By living according to the concept of Ihsan and by applying it to all that a Muslim does, he/she will be rewarded and showered with mercy and forgiveness from Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, by doing that, a Muslim will ensure that he/she will pass the test and be amongst those of the best conduct.