Iḥsān
الإحسانDefinition
Excellence — defined by the Angel Jibril in the second hadith as 'to worship Allah as though you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He certainly sees you.' This is the highest of the three levels of the religion — above Islam (outward submission) and Iman (inward faith). Ihsan transforms every act: the prayer performed with genuine awareness of Allah's presence is categorically different from the prayer performed mechanically. The concept teaches that Islam is not satisfied with correct performance of the outward; it demands that the inner life — attention, presence, love, awe — be engaged simultaneously. The pursuit of ihsan is the lifelong project of every sincere believer.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Iḥsān.
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"indeed many books. And that is the grace of اللّٰه; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And اللّٰه is the possessor of great bounty. Chapter: The Station of Ihsan The Reality of Ihsan Among the stations of "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help" from سُورَة الفَاتِحَة is the station of Ihsan. It is the essence of faith, its spirit, and its perfection."
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Two
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"there is no deity but You." This becomes a state and station for the person. It is not denied that people can reach this state. The Prophet مُحَمَّد, peace be upon him, said, "Ihsan is to worship اللّٰه as if you see Him." When one reaches the station of Ihsan, it is as if they see اللّٰه, the Glorified. Thus is their conversation and intimate discourse with Him. However, it is preferable to use the term "intimate discourse" instead of "intimate conversation," as this is the term chosen by the Messenger of اللّٰه, peace be upon him, to describe the state of the servant, saying, "When one of you stands in prayer,"
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Three
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"I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteous deeds and then remains guided. And He also says: "Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Ihsan [excellence] is to worship Allah as though you see Him. This hadith of Ihsan is unanimously agreed upon, reported by Ibn Umar. Allah also says: "By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and exhorted each other to truth and exhorted each other to patience."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 30: The Condemnation of Self-Delusion
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