Al-Ihsaan

Al-Ihsaan

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-`Uthaymeen

Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islaam
© 1997 al-Hidaayah

Al-Ihsaan is the opposite of behaving badly, and it means that a person strives to do what is good and to repel harmful things. So he strives to benefit the servants of Allaah through his wealth, position, knowledge and his person. So as for the case of doing good with ones wealth, then he spends and gives in charity, and pays the zakaat, and the best of the types of doing good through wealth is the zakaat since it is one of the pillars of Islaam, and one of its great foundations. A person's Islaam will not be complete without it. It is the charity most loved by Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and that is followed by that which it is obligatory upon a person to spend upon his wife, mother, father, children, brothers, children of his brothers, sisters, paternal uncles, paternal aunts, maternal aunts, and so on. Then by charity given to the poor and to the rest of those deserving of charity - such as students of knowledge for example.

As for the case of doing good by means of ones position, then it is that people are found in different levels. Some of them have status with someone in authority and so strive to benefit the people by means of his position. So if a man comes to him and requests that he should intercede for him with the one in authority then he does so, either to repel some harm from him or to attain some good for him, As for doing good by means of his knowledge, then it is that he strives to pass on his knowledge to Allaah's servants, in open and private gatherings and assemblies. Even if people sit socially, to drink coffee, then it pertains to good and fine behavior that he should teach the people. Even if you are in a public gathering it is from what is good that you teach the people. However wisdom is to be used in this matter. So you should not weary the people making it a habit that every single time you sit in a gathering you admonish and address the people, since the Prophet used to give them admonition now and then, and not too frequently. This is because the souls become weary and bored. When they become bored they become languid and weak and may even come to dislike what is good merely because of the frequency with which the per son stands and addresses them.

As for seeking to benefit the people with ones person, then the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "... that you help a man to mount and ride his riding beast, or you lift up his luggage on to it for him, is a charity" [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. Transl. 4/90-94/no. 161) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 2/483-484/ no. 2204)]. So you help this man to carry his luggage, or you guide him to the correct road to take and so on, all of this pertains to ihsaan. So this is with regard to striving to do good to the servants of Allaah.

As for ihsaan in the worship of Allaah, then it is that you worship Allaah as if you were seeing Him, as the Prophet ( said. So worship done in this way, that a person worships his Lord as if he were actually seeing Him is worship that is accompanied by yearning and seeking. So a person will find that his soul encourages him upon worship done in this way, since he is yearning for the one he loves. Therefore he worships Him as if he were seeing Him, and he directs his heart to Him and turns to Him and seeks to draw near to Him, He the One free of all imperfections and the Most High.

"Then even though you do not see Him, then He certainly sees you." This part shows worship done whilst fleeing and fearing, and is therefore the second level of ihsaan. So if you do not worship Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, as if you are seeing Him and seeking Him and your soul is encouraging you towards Him, then worship Him keeping in mind that He sees you. So you will then worship Him as one who fears Him and seeks to flee from His retribution and punishment.

This level is held by those having knowledge of these affairs to be lower than the first level. Worship of Allaah, the Perfect and Most High, is, as Ibn al-Qayyim, rahimahullaah, said: 'Worship of the Most Merciful is utmost love of Him, along with the worshippers submission and humility, they are its two pillars.' So worship is built upon these two matters: utmost love, and utmost humility and submission. Love causes one to desire and seek, and humility causes one to fear and flee. This is ihsaan in the worship of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. If a person worships Allaah in this manner, then he will become one who is pure and sincere in his worship of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. He will not desire with his worship that he is seen by the people, or heard of, nor will he desire their praise. It will be the same to him whether the people notice him or do not notice him.

He will worship with ihsaan in every condition. Indeed part of the completion of purity and sincerity of worship (al-ikhlaas) is that a person should seek not to be seen by the people when he worships, and that his worship should be a secret between him and his Lord. That is unless there is some benefit for the Muslims or for Islaam in his performing it openly, for example if he is a person who is followed and taken as an example and he wishes to manifest his worship to the people so that they should take it as an example to follow; or that he manifests his worship so that his companions, friends and associates should follow his example, then this is good. This benefit which he takes account of may be more excellent and greater than the benefit of keeping it hidden. Therefore, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has praised those who spend of their wealth in charity secretly and openly. So whenever performing it secretly is better and more beneficial for the heart, and causes one to be more humble and submissive, and to turn to Allaah more attentively, then they give in secret. But when performing it openly produces benefit for Islaam, due to manifestation of its prescribed practices, and will mean that the people follow this persons example, then they do this openly. The Believer looks to what is most appropriate. So whatever is most appropriate and most beneficial in worship, then it will be what is most complete and most excellent.

Al-Ihsaan - Perfection In Acts Of Worship

Al–Ihsaan - Perfection In Acts Of Worship

by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Alî Abd-ur-Rahmân al-Hudhaifî

---

Friday Sermon from the Prophet's Mosque in Madina

on Al-Jum'ah 7 Dhul-Hijjah 1421 (March 2, 2001)

All praise is due to Allaah the Most Beneficent, Most Merciful. I testify that there is no god worthy of worship save Allaah and I also testify that Muhammad saws is the messenger of Allaah.

O you Muslims! Fear Allaah, for fear of Allaah is one’s provision for the next world and his treasure in this world. Hold fast unto your religion. Allaah has chosen Islaam as the religion for the inhabitants of the Earth and the Heavens and He has guided to it whomsoever He wishes among His slaves. Allaah has also made for those who follow this religion three ranks: Islaam, eeman, and ihsaan, which is the highest of the three ranks. Ihsaan is the best rank of Islaam, for one attains closeness to Allaah only through ihsaan. Ihsaan means doing good to oneself by worshipping Allaah with perfection and doing good to people. Allaah says,

 

“And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah (i.e. follows Allaah’s religion of Islaamic monotheism); and he is a muhsin (a good doer).” (An-Nisaa 4:125).

He also says,

“And do good. Truly Allaah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good doers).” (Al-Baqarah 2:195).

The Almighty has also promised a great reward for the good doers in this world and the next. He promises them protection and good things of this life when he says,

“Truly Allaah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are good-doers.” (An-Nahl 16:128)

Among the reward of good deeds is that it makes good-doers win Allaah’s love. Allaah says,

“Verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal Imraan 3:134).

Doing good also makes Allaah provide relief for the good-doer whenever he is in distress and makes Allaah save Him from his enemies. Allaah also blesses the good-doers with different kinds of blessings and lets them have a happy ending. He says regarding Yoosuf,

“Verily, he who fears Allaah with obedience to Him and is patient, then surely, Allaah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost.” (Yoosuf 12:90)

Among the rewards of good deeds is that Allaah will impart knowledge into the heart of the good-doer, which will enable him to differentiate between lawful and unlawful things, and between truth and falsehood. Allaah says about Yoosuf,

“And when he (Yoosuf) attained his full manhood, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus We reward the doers of good.” (Yoosuf 12:22).

Allaah also rewards the good-doers by making later good doers join their predecessors, giving them of His bounties and completing His favour on them. He says,

“And the foremost to embrace Islaam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Mecca to Medina) and the Ansar (the citizens of Medina who helped and gave help to the Muhajirun) and also those who follow them exactly (in faith), Allaah is Well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” (At-Tawbah 9:100).

Allaah also rewards good doers by praising them and making His slaves praise them as well. The Almighty says about prophet Nooh (Noah),

“Salaam (peace) be upon Nooh (from Us) among the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).”

He also says regarding prophet Ibraheem (Abraham),

“Peace upon Ibraheem! Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun.”

And about prophets Musa and Harun, He says,

“Peace be upon Musa and Harun. Verily, thus do We reward the good-doers.” (As-Saafaat 37:119-120).

Although the verses mentioned above speak about prophets, yet the rewards mentioned in it will be the same to be given to other good-doers. He also says,

“For those who do good in this world there is good, and the home of the hereafter will be better. And excellent indeed will be the home (i.e. Paradise) of the Muttaqun (the pious).” (An-Nahl 16:30)

About the reward of the good-doers in the hereafter, Allaah says,

“For those who have done good is the best (reward i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing upon the countenance of Allaah). Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.” (Yoonus 10:26)

The word “more” means having the prestige of seeing the Countenance of Allaah as it has been successively related in hadeeths that the believers will see their Lord on the day of Judgement. As a matter of fact having the privilege of seeing the Gracious Countenance of Allaah on the last day is a suitable reward for Ihsaan (i.e. good deeds) because ihsaan means to worship Allaah in this world as if one sees Him. Glancing at His Gracious Countenance plainly on the Day of Judgement then becomes the greatest reward for good deeds. As regards the unbelievers, their eyes will be screened from seeing Allaah on that day, as their hearts were veiled from knowing Allaah and fearing Him in this world. Allaah says,

“Nay! Surely they (the evil-doers) shall be veiled from seeing their Lord that day.” (Al-Mutaffifeen 83:15)

Fellow Muslims! What then is this ihsan (good deed) that attracts such a high position before Allaah and such a great reward? The answer was provided by the Messenger of Allaah saws when he said

, “Al-Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, He sees you!” (Muslim).

This hadeeth means that man should worship Allaah, mindful of his closeness to Him and his standing before Him just as if he is seeing Him plainly. This state brings about God-consciousness and love of Allaah and purifies ones acts of worship. Anas bin Malik narrated that a man said,

“O Messenger of Allaah! Tell me a short word.” The Prophet saws replied, “Pray as if you are in your farewell prayer, for if you do not see Allaah, He sees you.” And the meaning of the phrase “if you do not see Him, He sees you” is that if one cannot worship Allaah as if one sees Him, he should then worship Him with the conviction that Allaah does see him and that none of his affairs is concealed from Allaah. Haarithah related that the Prophet saws told him, “O Haarithah! How did you enter into your morning?” He said, “I replied, ‘I entered into the morning as a true believer.’” He said, “The Prophet saws then told me, ‘Watch what you say, for every word has a reality.’” He said, “I then said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I keep myself away from the (leisures of this) world, spend my nights in prayer and fast during my days. I am now as if I am looking at the throne of my Lord appearing. I am also as if I am looking at the inhabitants of Paradise as they visit one another. And it seems as if I am looking at the dwellers of hell as they howl therein!” The Prophet saws then said, “You have indeed seen (what you claimed to have seen). Therefore continue on your state of Ibaadah, O slave whom Allaah has illuminated his heart with faith!”

Al-Ihsaan is to observe prayer in the best form, moving closer to Allaah and beseeching Him secretly during the night when people are asleep. So also is doing good to people. Allaah says,

“Verily, they were before this good doers. They used to sleep but little by night (invoking their Lord and praying with fear and hope). And in the hours before dawn they were (found) asking (Allaah) for forgiveness. And in their properties there was the right of the beggar (who asked) and the poor (who do not ask others).” (Adh-Dhaariyaat 51:17-19)

Al-Ihsaan also means striving against one’s soul, struggle against Satan, hypocrites and unbelievers. Allaah says,

“And many a Prophet fought (in Allaah’s cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allaah’s way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient ones. And they said nothing but, ‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to you). Establish our feet firmly and give us victory over the disbelieving folk! So Allaah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the hereafter. And Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal-Imraan 3:146-148).

It is also an aspect of Ihsan to spend in the way of Allaah whether one is rich or poor, to suppress ones anger and forgive the ignorant ones when they misbehave. Allaah says,

“Those who spend (in Allaah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal-Imraan 3:134).

It is a part of Ihsaan to surrender to the truth, to love it and to listen to the revealed book of Allaah with sound and healthy minds and attentive ears. Allaah says,

“And when they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say, “Our Lord! We believe; so write us among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allaah and in that which has come to us of the truth (Islaamic monotheism)? And we wish that our Lord will admit us (in Paradise on the Day of Resurrection along with the righteous people (Prophet Muhammad saws and his companions). So because of what they said, Allaah rewarded them with gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), they will abide therein forever. Such is the reward of the good-doers.” (Al-Maa’idah 5:83-85)

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and race towards His pleasure. Know that His pleasure can never be attained except by carrying out his commandments and abstaining from what He prohibits, for this is really the worship, for which He created the man and jinn. Allaah has also bestowed his favour on you by explaining to you preferable periods in which one should increase his act of worship so as to get great rewards. Among these periods are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Standing at Arafah also falls within these days, and it is on this great day that Allaah forgives great sins. The Prophet saws said,

“There is no day in which Allaah redeems as many souls from hell as the day of Arafah. Allaah comes near and boasts with His servants in front of the angels. He then says, “What do these people want?” (Muslim).

Abo Qataadah ra also narrated that the Messenger of Allaah saws was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, and he replied,

“It removes the sins of the previous year and the current year.” (Muslim).

Strive therefore to do as many good deeds in this day as possible. Remember Allaah much and keep yourslef away from the prohibited things. Allaah says,

“And march forth in the way (which leads) to forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise as wide as are the Heavens and the Earth, prepared for the pious. Those who spend (in Allaah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.” (Aal-Imraan 3:133:134).