Ihsan(excellence) is one of the three dimensions of Islam, along with islam (submission) and iman (faith). Ihsan means to do beautiful things, to perfect one’s actions, and to show excellence in worship and in social interactions. In this article, I will explain the meaning, significance, and benefits of ihsan in Islam, and how we as an Islamic charity can practice it and encourage others to do so.
The meaning of ihsan in Islam
The word ihsan comes from the root word hasana, which means to be good, beautiful, or excellent. Ihsan has two aspects: an inward aspect and an outward aspect. The inward aspect of ihsan is to have sincerity, purity, and awareness of Allah in one’s heart. The outward aspect of ihsan is to perform good deeds, to beautify one’s actions, and to show kindness and generosity to others.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) defined ihsan as follows: “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then He sees you.” This hadith shows that ihsan is the highest level of worship, where one strives to please Allah with every action and intention. It also shows that ihsan requires constant mindfulness of Allah’s presence and watchfulness over us.
Ihsan (excellence) is one of the three core dimensions of Islam, alongside Islam (submission) and Iman (faith). We have talked about the importance of submission in Islam in another article, which you can read here.
The significance of ihsan in Islam
Ihsan is significant in Islam because it is a commandment from Allah and a quality that He loves in His servants. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct (ihsan), and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (An-Nahl 16:90)
Ihsan is also significant in Islam because it is a way of following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was the best model of ihsan. He said: “Verily, Allah has prescribed ihsan upon everything.” He also said: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger.” He also said: “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”
Ihsan is also significant in Islam because it is a means of attaining Allah’s reward, mercy, and pleasure in this life and the hereafter. Allah says in the Quran: “Is the reward for good (ihsan) anything but good (ihsan)?” (Ar-Rahman 55:60) He also says: “And whoever does righteous deeds (ihsan), whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.” (An-Nisa 4:124)
The benefits of ihsan in Islam
Ihsan has many benefits in Islam for both individuals and society. Some of these benefits are:
- Ihsan purifies the heart from hypocrisy, arrogance, envy, and other diseases.
- Ihsan increases the faith, love, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah.
- Ihsan enhances the quality, sincerity, and concentration of worship.
- Ihsan improves the morals, manners, and character of a person.
- Ihsan strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation among Muslims.
- Ihsan spreads peace, harmony, justice, and mercy in society.
- Ihsan attracts the blessings, protection, guidance, and help of Allah.
- Ihsan elevates the status, honor, dignity, and happiness of a person in this life and the hereafter.
How can we as an Islamic charity practice ihsan?
As an Islamic charity team, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to practice ihsan and inspire others to do so. We can practice ihsan by: (To read more about Ihsan, you can read the Ihsan al-A’amal Policy of our islamic charity.)
- Being sincere in our intention to serve Allah and His creation.
- Being diligent in our worship and obedience to Allah.
- Being kind and generous in our dealings with our donors, beneficiaries, partners, and communities.
- Being honest and transparent in our accounting and reporting of our activities and finances.
- Being professional and efficient in our management and delivery of our projects and programs.
- Being innovative and creative in our solutions and approaches to address the needs and challenges of our target groups.
- Being respectful and inclusive of the diversity and dignity of all people, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or status.
- Being humble and grateful for the support and feedback of our stakeholders and beneficiaries.
- Being accountable and repentant for our mistakes and shortcomings.
I hope this article has given you some insights and motivation about why ihsan is important in Islam and how we as an Islamic charity can practice it and encourage others to do so. Ihsan is not only a duty but also a privilege and a joy for a Muslim. By practicing ihsan, we can please Allah, follow the Prophet, benefit ourselves and others, and attain success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah bless you and guide you always.
