Excellence in Worship
Excellence, or “Ihsan,” represents the highest rank in religious practice and embodies the pinnacle of faith. The Islamic faith is categorized into three levels: Islam, Iman (faith), and Ihsan. Each level comprises specific pillars, and this article will explore the concept of Ihsan, including its definition, rewards, levels, and manifestations.
Defining Excellence
We can define Ihsan as articulated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then He surely sees you.” The concept of Ihsan is referenced in various verses, often in conjunction with faith, piety, striving in the path of Allah, Islam, good deeds, and charitable spending.
A person worships their Lord knowing that He is a watchful observer of their actions. This awareness instills a sense of reverence, fear, and awe, necessitating meticulousness and dedication in the performance of worship. It encourages the individual to strive for improvement, fully aware of Allah’s proximity, as if they could see Him in both their public and private lives, understanding that nothing is hidden from Him.
When a servant reaches the level of Ihsan in their worship, they sense Allah’s oversight in all their actions. They will only engage in deeds that please their Lord, disregarding public opinion, whether it comes in the form of praise or criticism.
Is Goodness Rewarded with Goodness?
Allah has bestowed His mercy upon those who excel in their deeds, rewarding them in proportion to their actions. This is evident in His words: “Is the reward for good anything but good?” (Quran). Because they have worshipped Him sincerely and earnestly sought His pleasure, Allah rewards them with the utmost in goodness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) conveyed to his companions that when the people of Paradise enter, Allah will ask them if He can give them anything more. They will respond, “Did You not brighten our faces? Did You not admit us to Paradise and save us from the Fire?” At this point, He will unveil His grace, revealing that nothing will be more cherished by them than the sight of their Lord (Glory be to Him).
Allah states: “For those who have done good is the best reward and even more” (Quran), indicating that their faces will not display any signs of humiliation or fear due to their striving for Allah’s pleasure. Because Allah has favored them with the ability to see Him, their faces will shine with beauty, living in eternal bliss that knows no end, free from any threat of removal.
Levels of Excellence
The concept of Ihsan comprises two distinct levels as outlined by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
- The first level is to worship Allah as though you see Him.
This level embodies a heartfelt worship driven by longing and love, coupled with a desire for reward and blessings. The practitioner is entirely devoted to worshipping, without concern for anyone or anything else, representing the higher of the two levels.
- The second level is to recognize that even if you cannot see Him, He sees you.
If a person does not worship Allah as in the first level, they should worship Him as if He is watching them. This is characterized by a sense of fear and a desire to flee from His punishment, with the heart mindful of Allah, striving to align their inner and outer actions.
Manifestations of Excellence
Ihsan can be illustrated in a myriad of practices and interactions. Below are some examples:
- Sincere devotion to Allah in worship as if one can see Him.
- Recitation of the Quran with humility, contemplation, and reflection.
- Repentance from all actions that do not please Allah.
- Inviting others to Allah by adhering to His commands and avoiding prohibitions.
- Maintaining family ties.
- Regular acts of charity according to one’s capability, without feeling burdened.
- Forgiveness towards others.
- Compassionate interactions with people.
- Assisting in fulfilling the needs of others.
- Mediating and reconciling among individuals.