Ihsan
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Ihsan (or Ehsan or Ahsan or احسان) is an Arabic term meaning "perfection" or "excellence." 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, and although they cannot see Him, they undoubtedly believe he is constantly watching over them. That definition comes from the hadith (known as the Hadith of Gabriel) in which Muhammad states, "[Ihsan is] to worship God as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you." (Al-Bukhari and Al-Muslim).[citation needed] Ehsan
Ihsan is one of the Three Principles of the Islamic faith (Islam, Iman and Ihsan) and means "to do beautiful things". In contrast to the emphases of islam (what one should do) and iman(why one should do), the concept of ihsan is primarily associated with intention. One who "does what is beautiful" is labelled muhsin. It is generally held that a person can only achieve true ihsan with the help and guidance of Allah, who governs all things.
Ibadah (worship) is one embodiment of ihsan.
The concept of Ihsan has been understood differently by various Islamic scholars. For example, some scholars explain Ihsan as being the "inner-dimension" of Islam whereas shariah is often described as the "outer-dimension".[citation needed] Ihsan is excellence in worship, work, and in social interactions. For example, ihsan includes sincerity during Muslim prayers and being grateful to parents, family, and God.
Ehsan or Ihsan is also a male name among Muslims.
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[edit] Sufi Term
Sufis have divided Ihsan into two parts
- Muraqaba i.e. to worship with the thought that God is seeing us.
- Mushahada i.e. to worship God as if we see Him.
[edit] References and Further Reading
Murata, Sachiko; William C. Chittick (2000). The Vision of Islam. I. B. Tauris, pp. 267-282. ISBN 1-86064-022-2. The Mysteries of Ihsan: Natural Contemplation and the Spiritual Virtues in the Quran By JAMES W. MORRIS
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Al–Ihsaan - Perfection In Acts Of Worship by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Alî Abd-ur-Rahmân al-Hudhaifî
- Hadith of Angel Gabriel Hadith #2 from An-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths
- Ihsan – the Gnostic Knowledge of Mankind
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- Concept of Ihsan in the Quran
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