Ihsan is one of the three main components of belief in Islam. It means excellence. We have a beautiful, complete way of life that encourages us to excel in our everyday activities, especially in our worship and our relationship and connection to Allah (s.w.t).

When we pray, we pray being mindful of who we stand in front of (Allah) and as such we perform that prayer to the best our ability in excellence. Just as we do strive to be successful and excel in our careers and worldly matters, even more so should we strive to live Islamically by Ihsan. I’m always amazed and inspired by the companions, may Allah be pleased with them all. When a commandment came from Allah and His Messenger, they didn’t do the bare minimum. They strived (often even competed!) against one another towards Ihsan. A Muslim who practices ihsan throughout his life is a responsible person and a person of high quality. He does things in the best manner, in a pleasant and tasteful way, and is never satisfied with anything other than a top-notch quality job in all that he does. He or she is motivated to exercise this excellence because Allah prescribed ihsan for all deeds (40hadithnawawi.com). Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and ihsan and giving help to relatives, and He forbids immoral sins, evil and tyranny. He admonishes you, so that perhaps you may take heed. (16:90). Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If you make a judgment, be just. If you have to kill, kill in the best manner. Verily, Allah Almighty is excellent and he loves excellence.” Source: al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ 5884 Grade: Jayyid (very good) according to Al-Albani. عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوا وَإِذَا قَتَلْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مُحْسِنٌ يُحِبُّ الإِحْسَانَ This part of the Hadith “ Allah Almighty is excellent and He loves excellence” truly is a motivation in and of itself to be the best version of ourselves. This is why as a Muslimah, I strive to see and live my life through the lens of Ihsan. I ask Allah to grant us Islam, Iman and Ihsan and to reward us for our intentions and efforts. Ameen. With love,

Aisha