The Concept of Ihsan in Islam

The Integration of Technology in Islamic Education

Definition and Significance.

Ihsan, an Arabic term often translated as “excellence” or “perfection,” holds a profound place in Islamic theology and practice.

The root of the word Ihsan is “ح س ن” (ḥ-s-n), which connotes beauty, goodness, and perfection.

In Islamic context, Ihsan refers to striving for excellence in worship, conduct, and every aspect of life.

It represents the pinnacle of faith and is considered a higher spiritual state that transcends mere compliance with religious obligations.

Quranic Foundations of Ihsan

The Quran frequently emphasizes Ihsan, highlighting its importance and encouraging believers to embody it.

One of the key verses that elucidate this concept is:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195):

وَأَنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا۟ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى ٱلتَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوٓا۟ ۛ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٩٥

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195)

  “And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”

In this verse, the command to “do good” (أَحْسِنُوٓا۟) underscores the importance of striving for excellence in all endeavors, especially in charitable actions and societal contributions.

The phrase “Allah loves the doers of good” (ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ) further signifies that Ihsan is a trait that endears one to Allah.

The Concept of Ihsan in Islam

The Hadith of Jibril and Ihsan

The concept of Ihsan is explicitly explained in the Hadith of Jibril (Gabriel), where the angel Jibril appears in human form to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asks about Islam, Iman (faith), and Ihsan.

The Prophet’s response regarding Ihsan is:

– Sahih Muslim:

  “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He sees you.”

This Hadith delineates Ihsan as an elevated state of consciousness in worship, where a believer performs acts of devotion with utmost sincerity and awareness of Allah’s presence.

This profound definition implies that Ihsan is not limited to ritual worship but extends to all aspects of a Muslim’s life, encouraging them to seek excellence and integrity in their actions, interactions, and intentions.

Ihsan in Worship

Ihsan in worship (Ibadah) means performing prayers, fasting, charity, and other acts of devotion with full mindfulness and devotion.

It involves going beyond the mechanical performance of religious duties and embracing them with heartfelt sincerity and reverence.

– Surah Al-Mulk (67:2):

  [ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ]

Surah Al-Mulk (67:2)

  “He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”

This verse emphasizes that life itself is a test of one’s actions and that the quality of deeds (أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا) is a crucial criterion.

Ihsan in worship, therefore, involves striving for the highest quality in one’s devotion to Allah.

Ihsan in Conduct and Interpersonal Relationships

Ihsan also pertains to personal conduct and interactions with others. The Quran and Hadith provide numerous guidelines on how to embody Ihsan in dealing with people, including family, neighbors, and society at large.

– Surah An-Nisa (4:36):

وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًۭا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنْبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًۭا فَخُورًا

Surah An-Nisa (4:36)

  “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.

Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”

This verse lists various categories of people towards whom Muslims must exhibit Ihsan. It highlights the importance of kindness, fairness, and compassion in all relationships.

By doing good to parents, relatives, and even strangers, Muslims fulfill the principle of Ihsan in their daily interactions.

The Concept of Ihsan in Islam

Ihsan in Professional and Social Life

In professional and social contexts, Ihsan translates to excellence in one’s work and contributions to the community.

It involves integrity, dedication, and striving to benefit society.

– Hadith – Sunan al-Tirmidhi:

  “Verily, Allah loves that when any one of you does a job, he should perfect it.”

This Hadith encourages Muslims to aim for perfection in their work, reflecting a commitment to high standards and ethical conduct.

Whether in business, education, or any other field, Ihsan calls for a diligent and responsible approach.

Ihsan and Justice

Ihsan is closely linked with the concept of justice (Adl) in Islam. While justice ensures that everyone gets their due rights, Ihsan goes beyond by promoting benevolence and forgiveness.

– Surah An-Nahl (16:90):

  [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ]

  “Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”

This verse beautifully combines justice (ٱلْعَدْلِ) with Ihsan (ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ), indicating that while justice is fundamental, Ihsan is the virtue that enhances and beautifies it.

In essence, Ihsan encourages forgiveness and compassion even when one is wronged, embodying a higher moral ground.

Ihsan in Environmental Stewardship

Islamic teachings extend the principle of Ihsan to environmental stewardship, advocating for the responsible and ethical use of natural resources.

– Surah Al-A’raf (7:31):

  [يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ]

  “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”

This verse advises moderation and responsible consumption, reflecting the Ihsan principle in the use of resources.

It underscores the importance of balance and the ethical treatment of the environment.

Spiritual Dimensions of Ihsan

Ihsan also encompasses a deep spiritual dimension, aiming to cultivate a profound sense of closeness to Allah. This involves regular self-reflection, repentance, and constant striving for spiritual purification.

– Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:88-89):

يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌۭ ولَا بَنُ ٨٨ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍۢ سَل ٨٩

Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:88-89)

  “The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children, but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.”

A “sound heart” (قَلْبٍۢ سَلِيمٍۢ) signifies purity and sincerity, key elements of Ihsan.

Achieving a sound heart requires continuous effort to align one’s inner state with the principles of Ihsan, leading to a harmonious and spiritually fulfilling life.

The Concept of Ihsan in Islam

Conclusion

Ihsan, or excellence, is a multifaceted concept deeply embedded in Islamic teachings.

It encompasses excellence in worship, personal conduct, professional endeavors, social interactions, justice, environmental stewardship, and spiritual life.

By striving for Ihsan, Muslims aim to live a life that is pleasing to Allah, beneficial to others, and fulfilling for themselves.

The Quran and Hadith provide comprehensive guidance on how to achieve Ihsan, highlighting its significance and the rewards associated with it.

The pursuit of Ihsan encourages believers to transcend mere compliance with religious obligations and to seek a higher level of moral and spiritual excellence, ultimately fostering a just, compassionate, and harmonious society.

By embodying Ihsan in all aspects of life, Muslims not only enhance their own faith and character but also contribute positively to the world around them, fulfilling their role as stewards of Allah’s creation.

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Zaky Shoobley

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