Allah Loves Excellence

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In our spiritual journey, the first step is towards Taqwa or God-consciousness, which leads us towards Ihsaan. Remember, Ihsaan is serving Allah as if we see Him, and if we don’t, then understand that He is watching us.

How do Taqwa and Ihsaan connect?

With a slight change of perspective, we can imagine Taqwa honoring Allah’s sight on us to prevent any actions that might compromise His love. At the same time, Ihsaan inspires us to pursue more goodness and to earn Allah’s love further. It urges us to perform the unexpected, holding ourselves to superior standards.

It’s beyond just loving Allah; it’s being in love with Allah.

The Quran repeatedly mentions Allah’s love for the Muhsineen—those who practice Ihsaan and those who pursue excellence. This pursuit of excellence permeates every relationship we maintain, especially our relationships with Allah and fellow beings.

For Allah, we go beyond our obligations and do what is voluntary, all the while keeping our focus only on Him. For people, the Quran beautifully highlights those who spend generously during times of ease and hardship, displaying Ihsaan. During ease, they give beyond what is required, their hearts bursting open with charity. Even during hardship, they continue to give when no one expects it because they believe in Allah as the ultimate Provider and understand that no person falls into poverty by giving for Allah’s sake.

Another angle of Ihsaan is exhibited when they hold back their anger, even when it could be justified. Instead of acting out in anger, they become selective and employ it only for beneficial causes, pleasing to Allah. They hastily pardon others even when they are wronged because they seek Allah’s forgiveness for themselves.

Through Ihsaan, we seek a higher standard of love from Allah, pushing ourselves to surpass expectations in all aspects of our lives, be it worship, relationships, or work ethics. Allah outlines three types of souls in the Quran: the soul that indulges in evil, the accountable soul (signifying Taqwa) that tries not to disqualify itself from Allah’s love, and, finally, the soul at peace with Allah, reflecting Ihsaan.

The soul that practices Ihsaan constantly seeks the favor of Allah, even in unfavorable situations. We pray to Allah to make us among those who practice Ihsaan, to act with such excellence that earns His love, and to be amongst those who will be rewarded with His favor on the Day of Judgment. Until next time, peace and blessings will be upon you all.