Allah Loves Excellence
By the One in Whose Hand my soul is! If you do not commit sins, Allah will replace you with a people who would commit sins and seek forgiveness from Allah; and Allah will certainly forgive them.
The Journey from Taqwa to Ihsaan
In our spiritual journey, the first step is towards Taqwa, or God-consciousness, which naturally leads us toward Ihsaan. Ihsaan is defined as serving Allah as if we see Him, and if we cannot, then understanding that He is watching us. But how do Taqwa and Ihsaan connect? With a slight shift in perspective, Taqwa can be seen as honoring Allah’s watchful presence to avoid actions that might compromise His love, while Ihsaan inspires us to actively pursue goodness and earn His love further. Ihsaan is not just about loving Allah; it’s about being in love with Him.
Ihsaan: A Higher Standard of Excellence
The Quran emphasizes Allah’s love for the Muhsineen — those who practice Ihsaan and strive for excellence. This pursuit of excellence is not limited to worship but extends to every relationship we maintain, whether with Allah or fellow beings. For Allah, Ihsaan means going beyond our obligations and performing voluntary acts of devotion, keeping our focus solely on Him. In relationships with others, Ihsaan is reflected in acts of generosity, even in times of hardship. Those who practice Ihsaan give beyond what is expected, holding a firm belief in Allah as the ultimate Provider. Their actions demonstrate selflessness and a deep connection to Allah’s promises.
The Virtue of Controlling Anger and Forgiveness
Another profound angle of Ihsaan is shown in controlling anger and forgiving others. Even when anger is justified, those who practice Ihsaan channel it only for causes that please Allah. Instead of holding onto grudges, they hastily pardon others, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for their own shortcomings. This restraint and forgiveness reflect the higher standard of excellence that defines Ihsaan.
The Soul at Peace with Allah
Allah describes three types of souls in the Quran: the one that indulges in evil, the accountable soul that reflects Taqwa, and the soul at peace with Allah, embodying Ihsaan. The soul that practices Ihsaan constantly strives for Allah’s favor, even in the face of challenges. It seeks to surpass expectations in worship, relationships, and work ethics, always aiming to earn Allah’s love. We pray that Allah makes us among those who practice Ihsaan, so we may attain His favor and be rewarded on the Day of Judgment. May peace and blessings be upon us all.
🪞 Reflection:
Which of the three types of soul are you currently?
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