The second "I" that guides us towards success is Ihsan. Best understood as “excellence,” Ihsan is derived from the testimony of Rasulullah SAW. When one dedicates their life, actions, and intentions solely to Allah, excellence becomes a fundamental requirement.
Every aspect of a believer's life, from living and breathing to speaking and acting, should be dedicated to Allah. This dedication necessitates that everything done for Allah is performed with the utmost excellence because Allah deserves nothing but the best.
Living for the sake of Allah demands excellence in all areas of life. If you are studying, ensure your study is excellent. If you are working, ensure your work is excellent. Your university assignments should reflect this excellence. When teachers look at a class, the identity of Iman should be visible in Muslims as the best students, characterized by the best behavior, diligence, attention, intelligence, and interaction. Similarly, at work, excellence should be evident in punctuality, diligence, and integrity. You should not simply fulfill your duties for your boss but rather offer them to Allah, embodying excellence in every action.
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This understanding extends beyond mere tasks. For instance, one brother felt disturbed because his workplace installed a camera above his desk, feeling distrusted. However, the greater realization should be that Allah, the universal observer, sees everything beyond the camera. You are not working for human supervision but for Allah's satisfaction, and this should drive you towards excellence in all actions. Moreover, even mundane acts like parking should reflect excellence. If one blocks a driveway when going to the mosque, it undermines the very worship they are engaging in.
Excellence is also about being considerate and proactive. If a neighbor needs assistance, such as taking out the bins, and you do it without being asked, you demonstrate Ihsan. It's the act of righteousness that reaches Allah, not merely the physical outcome.
Allah values the intention and effort behind actions, recognizing and rewarding those done for His sake. As mentioned in the Qur’an:
لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.[Surah Al-Hajj 22:37]
This verse teaches that the essence of worship and acts of devotion in Islam lies in the sincerity and righteousness of the believer. Physical acts of worship, such as sacrifice, are means to express and cultivate inner devotion and piety. Performing an action with excellence in addition to having sincerity in worshiping Allah is a powerful way to build your Jannah. This perspective transforms every action into an act of worship, driven by the desire to please Allah. Just as one might strive to impress someone they admire, a believer should always consider how Allah views their actions and strive to do what is beloved to Him.
In essence, Ihsan means worshiping Allah as if you see Him, and even if you do not see Him, knowing that He sees you. This transforms every aspect of life into an act of worship, where excellence in effort is the minimum requirement when doing something for Allah. Thus, everything from study and work to daily interactions and responsibilities becomes an opportunity to demonstrate excellence and devotion to Allah.
My personal notes-taking from [source:] Ihsan, Istiqamah, Ikhlas | The Three I's of Success | Sheikh Sajid Umar
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