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The Practise Of Ihsan In Islam by Occurstaem(m): 9:55am On Dec 12, 2014 |
{And spend of your substance in the way of Allah – and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction - And practice Ihsan, Allah loves those who practice Ihsan.} (Al-Baqarah 2:195) Ihsan also ehsan or ahsan is an Arabic term meaning "perfection" or "excellence," which is related to the word "goodness" (Arabic. husn). It is a matter of taking one's inner faith (Iman) and showing it in both deed and action, a sense of social responsibility borne from religious convictions. In Islam, Ihsan is the Muslim responsibility to obtain perfection, or excellence in worship, such that Muslims try to worship God (Arabic Allah) as if they see Him (as if they are in His presence), and although they cannot see Him (due to the belief that Allah is not made of materials), they undoubtedly believe that He is constantly watching over them and aware of everything that is done, thought and verbalised. That definition comes from the Hadith (known as the Hadith of Gabriel/Jibreel ) in which Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) states, "[Ihsan is] to worship Almighty Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Ihsan, also meaning "to do beautiful and righteous things," is one of the three dimensions of the Islamic religion (Arabic. ad- din): Islam, Iman and Ihsan. In contrast to the emphases of Islam (the outer expression and exterior acts of worship or what one should do) and Iman (why one should do), the concept of Ihsan is primarily associated with absolute intention. One who "does what is beautiful and righteous” is called a Muhsin. It is generally held that a person can only achieve true Ihsan with the help and guidance of Almighty Allah, who governs all things. - Some Islamic scholars explain Ihsan as being the inner dimension of Islam whereas Shariah is often described as the outer dimension: Ihsan then means striving to reach the best standards of performance in any circumstances or situations. It represents excellence, graciousness and benevolence. While ‘Adl (fairness and justice) requires satisfactory performance of one’s obligations to others and fulfilling the rights of others on oneself, Ihsan suggests doing more than that which a person is obligated to do and giving more to others than what they are entitled to. Thus, while ‘Adl ensures peace and security of human society, Ihsan makes it loving and caring and adds beauty to it. It is the single most distinguishing feature that raises a human society above any other creations of Allah and makes Allah Almighty oud of humanity. That is why Allah has mentioned the following in five different verses of the Holy Qur'an: {Allah loves those who practice Ihsan.} (Al-Baqarah 2:195), (Al-` Imran 3:134, 148), (Al-Ma’idah 5:13, 93). Like ‘Adl, Ihsan is a comprehensive concept that covers all human affairs whether it is about one’s relationship with Allah, interactions with people or fulfilling social obligations. When it is applied to one’s relationship with Allah, it represents excellence in servitude to Allah so that a person performs his servitude to Allah as if Allah is right in front of him keenly observing his performance. Naturally, when we perform in this world with a consciousness that we are being observed by Allah , our performance is going to be the most sincere and the most excellent just as people perform better when they are being watched by those in whose good books they want to be in e.g. a supervisor /manager or best friend. When The Messenger of Allah was asked what is Ihsan, he responded: “You fear Allah as if you are seeing Him, even if you cannot see Him, He is watching you”. Reported by Abu Hurayrah in Bukhari and Muslim. When it is about people, it represents benevolence towards people and graciousness in dealings. 1 Like |
Re: The Practise Of Ihsan In Islam by Occurstaem(m): 10:08am On Dec 12, 2014 |
The most important is this respect is Ihsan towards one’s parents. {We have enjoined on man to behave with his parents with Ihsan.} (Al-Ahqaf 46:15) While dealing with other people, the most important aspects of Ihsan are giving, showing love,patience and forgiveness: {Those who spend (in the way of Allah) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress their anger and who forgive people; and Allah loves the Muhsineen (those who practice Ihsan)}. (Al `Imran 3:134) {So, forgive them and overlook (their offensive behaviour), verily, Allah loves the Muhsineen .} (Al-Ma’idah 5:13) {Indeed, who maintains Taqwah and remains patient and steadfast, Allah does not let those who practice Ihsan lose their reward.} (Yusuf 12:90). It applies to what we say as well: {And say to my slaves that they should utter only what is the best.(Ahsan)} (Al- Israa` 17:53). Once the Messenger of Allah asked his companions: “Should I guide you to the qualities, because of which, Allah raises people’s ranks?” On affirmative response, he said, “Be patient (forbearing) with him who treats you ignorantly; forgive him who is unfair to you; give him who deprives you; and, fulfill social obligations to the relative who is delinquent in doing his part.” (Reported from ‘Ubadah Ibn Saamit in Targheeb wa Tarheb with reference to At-Tabarani) The same message was conveyed, among other things, in the following Hadith: The Messenger of Allah said, “My Lord has commanded me nine qualities: 1. Fearing Allah both secretly and openly; 2. Saying only the words of justice both when angry and when happy; 3. Maintaining moderation both during poverty and affluence; 4. Making up (social obligations and relationships) with a relative who shirks his obligation to me or breaks away from me; 5. Giving even to the person who deprives me; 6. Forgiving him who is unjust to me; 7. Reflecting when I am quiet; remembering Allah when I speak; and, learning lessons from what I see, 8. Enjoining good; and, 9. Forbidding evil.” (Abu Hurayrah in Mishkaatul Masaabeeh) Normally, responding to negative behaviour in the best manner and practicing Ihsan consistently as mentioned in the verses and Ahadith given above, results in winning the hearts of those who are treated with Ihsan. So much so that it has the potential of converting enemies into loving friends, as stated in the following verse: {Good (Hashanah) and evil are not equal. Respond in a way that is the best. Then, he between whom and you was enmity will become as if he was a close friend.} (Fussilat 41:34). Sometimes, however, a person practicing Ihsan may not individually witness the benefits of his best practices. In such situations, a sincere believer may feel discouraged, used, or broken hearted. Allah SWT assures them that: {Verily, Allah does not let the Muhsineen (those who practice Ihsan) lose their reward.} (At- Taubah 9:120), (Hud 11:115), (Yusuf 12:56, 12:90). {We do not let the reward of one who performs in the most excellent (Ahsana) manner be lost .” Al-Kahf 18:30 - He also assured: “Allah is with those who have Taqwah and practice Ihsan .} (An-Nahl 16:128) {Allah’s Mercy is near those who practice Ihsan.} (Al- A’raf 7:56) {Yes indeed, who turns his face submissively toward Allah and he practices excellence (Ihsan), his reward is with his Lord .} (Al- Baqarah 2:112) {For those who perform excellently (Ahsanul Husna) is the best (reward) and even more .} (Yunus 10:26) Hence, Allah expects us to perform in the best possible way that we can: {Who can be better in religion than one who submits totally to Allah in submission and practices Ihsan.} (An-Nisa` 4:125) {And Practice Ihsan, Allah loves those who practice Ihsan .} (Al- Baqarah 2:195) And finally, the rewards Allah has promised to those who practice Ihsan are also the best. For example: {Is the reward for excellence other than (Ihsan) excellent.} (Ar- Rahman 55:60) {To reward those who do their best with what is the best . (Ahsanu Bil Husna)} (An-Najm 53:31) References Taken with slight editorial modifications from: http://users.iafrica.com/n/ns/nsalie/ concept_of_ihsaan.htm |
Re: The Practise Of Ihsan In Islam by jiddama(f): 1:50pm On Dec 15, 2014 |
very concise and informative.jazakallahu khairan . may Allah s.w.t record this ^ in your book of deeds and may He grant us the ability to perform our deeds with ihsan. A very beautiful reminder. 1 Like |
Re: The Practise Of Ihsan In Islam by Empiree: 8:53pm On Dec 15, 2014 |
Mashallah!. well compiled. Jazakallahu khyran 1 Like |
Re: The Practise Of Ihsan In Islam by Occurstaem(m): 9:45pm On Dec 16, 2014 |
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