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Ihsan is the highest level we can obtain in Islam.

The word "Ihsan" in Arabic is a derivative of the verb "ahsana," which means doing things with beauty and excellence.

In a spiritual context, Ihsan is to worship Allah as if we see Him, for though we cannot see Him, He sees us.

But before delving into Ihsan further, we need to understand shame culture.

What is shame culture?

Shame culture focuses on the fear of societal disapproval.

In such cultures, our behavior is primarily affected by the fear of being shamed by the community. This plays a significant role in maintaining societal norms and values.

The focus of the Sunnah transcends beyond this external societal shame.

We are driven by a deeper, more introspective form of shame.

A sense of shame before Allah.

How do we apply Ihsan?

Ihsan means constantly being aware of Allah’s presence so we submit to higher ethical and moral values. This internal drive, fueled by the knowledge of being under Allah’s vigilant gaze, encourages us to live by divine principles.

Ihsan is about excellence in faith and actions for a deeper, more spiritual fulfillment. It's about:

• Sincerity (Ikhlaas): Performing actions solely for the sake of Allah, with pure intentions.

• Completeness: Embracing all aspects of Islam, regardless of societal pressures or labels.

• Tastefulness: Engaging in acts of worship mindfully and with dedication.

• Correctness: Adhering strictly to the practices as prescribed by Allah.

Ihsan also means beautifying our lives, environments, and actions. It's about transcending basic human needs to create a life abundant in substance and beauty, contributing positively to communities and societies.

Understanding and implementing Ihsan in our lives elevates our existence meaningfully.

Incorporating Ihsan into our lives brings the divine into everything we do.

So true Islam lights up the world independently.