The Meaning of Ihsan in Islam, Definition, Evidence, and Characteristics with Examples

Kapanlagi.com - Everyone is certainly encouraged to do good to others. So does Islam which highly recommends and upholds every individual to do good deeds. This is what then gives rise to what is called ihsan.

The meaning of ihsan is a good deed done by someone. This good deed can be directed towards many things, such as towards God in the context of obedience in worship, towards humans, and towards other creatures on earth.

Moreover, there is a virtue in the meaning of ihsan that is actually very special. One of them can be seen in a Quranic evidence which states that Allah loves those who do good. Those who do good are then called muhsin.

Meanwhile, here is an explanation of the meaning of ihsan and its significance that you need to know. Let's check out what the meaning of ihsan in Islam along with its evidence and characteristics.

1. The Meaning of Ihsan in Islam

(credit: pixabay.com)

Ihsan is a term that is very familiar. Most people refer to the meaning of ihsan as to show various good deeds. But what is the meaning of ihsan in the view of Islam?

If we refer to the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), the meaning of ihsan is good. In addition, the meaning of ihsan can also be referred to as charity and so on which are not mandatory. However, seen from its origin, the meaning of ihsan comes from the word hasuna-yahsunu-hasanan which means good or doing good or good. In addition, the meaning of ihsan in Arabic means perfection or excellence.

According to the view of Islam, ihsan is often mentioned in the Quran and hadith. Moreover, the command to always do good is part of the faith and proof of a Muslim's Islam. Therefore, it is also mentioned that faith, Islam, and ihsan are three things that cannot be separated from each other. It can be said that the meaning of ihsan is a good deed done by a Muslim, either by word or action, to Allah SWT or to other people and other living creatures.

Therefore, the meaning of ihsan is the opposite of isa'ah or what is called bad deeds. That is the explanation of the meaning of ihsan that you need to know. So that it is easier to understand the meaning of ihsan.

2. The Meaning and Evidence of the Meaning of Ihsan

(credit: freepik.com)

After knowing the meaning of ihsan, what is the true meaning of ihsan itself. As mentioned in the previous review, faith, Islam, and ihsan are three things that are interrelated. Because the three cannot be separated as mentioned in a hadith about the meaning of ihsan, namely the meaning of ihsan in a hadith mentioned based on Muslim's narration from Abu Hurairah as follows,

"O Messenger of Allah, what is Ihsan? The Messenger of Allah SAW said: 'That you worship Allah as if you see Him. For if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you.'"

From this hadith it can be seen that the meaning of ihsan is to do good deeds, especially in worshiping Allah SWT. Because in carrying out an act of worship to Allah SWT, you can see Him and face Him. With that, the worship performed can be more maximal and perfect or superior.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of hadiths that mention the relationship between faith, Islam, and ihsan. As for the narration as reported by Nu Online as follows based on HR Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidzi, Ahmad, Al-Baihaqi, and Ad-Darimi,

"The most perfect believer in faith is the one who has the best character (ihsan)."

Then there is also a narration that reveals the relationship between faith, Islam, and ihsan which says as follows as reported from the same source based on HR Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidzi, Ahmad, and Al-Hakim,

"Be conscious of Allah wherever you are. Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will wipe it out. Interact with others in a good manner."

There is also another narration that mentions faith and ihsan as follows based on HR Tirmidzi, Riyadlu Al-Shalihin: 278,

"The most perfect believer in faith is the one who has the best character."

From the various Hadith narrations above, it can be said that faith, Islam, and ihsan are indeed one unity. Where the meaning of ihsan is to do a good deed solely to worship Allah SWT and reach His pleasure and grace. Because of that, this good deed can be shown for various things, both worship to Allah which is obligatory or sunnah, as well as doing good to other creatures and fellow human beings. With ihsan, it can build what is called faith and Islam.

3. Characteristics of People who Do Ihsan

(credit: freepik.com)

People who do good or ihsan are also called muhsin. Meanwhile, there are several characteristics of people who do ihsan. These characteristics of people who do ihsan are also mentioned in the Quranic verses from Surah Az-Zariyat verses 16-19.

"While receiving all the gifts from their Lord. Indeed, they were the ones who did good in the world before this (16) They hardly slept at night in the world (17) And always ask for forgiveness in the morning before dawn (18) And in their wealth, there is a right for the poor who ask and the poor who do not get a share (19)."

So here are the characteristics of people who do ihsan. Let's check what are the characteristics of people who do ihsan as reported from various sources:

- Always trying to obey the commands of Allah SWT (prayer, fasting, zakat, charity, and so on) and avoid His prohibitions.

- Being trustworthy and honest.

- Always trying to maintain worship to Allah SWT and always thirsty for worship.

- Can realize and maintain peace and harmony in society.

- Trying to forgive others if they are wronged and controlling anger.

4. Example of Ihsan Behavior

(credit: freepik.com)

There are various examples of ihsan behavior that can relate to many things. Not only the relationship between a servant and God but also good deeds towards all creatures on earth. Here are some examples of ihsan.

1. Ihsan towards Allah SWT

One meaning of ihsan towards Allah SWT is to carry out commands that can be in the form of mandatory and sunnah worship. And stay away from various actions or deeds that are prohibited by Allah SWT. For example, performing fardhu prayer, fasting, zakat, learning, working, and others.

2. Ihsan towards fellow human beings

The meaning of ihsan can be shown by doing good to fellow human beings, both for parents and family, friends, neighbors, guests, and others. For example, helping people in need, being dutiful to parents, and all other good deeds towards fellow human beings.

3. Ihsan towards other creatures

The meaning of ihsan towards other creatures can be shown towards animals and plants. Because humans should also do good to animals and plants as stated in several verses of the Quran. For example, preserving the sustainability of animals and plants to prevent damage to the earth.

Those are some explanations about the meaning of ihsan that you need to understand. So it makes it easier to understand the meaning of ihsan.

(kpl/gen/nlw)