Ehsan: The Pursuit of Excellence in ISLAM - The Supreme Way of Life

Introduction:

In the profound journey of understanding ISLAM—the Supreme Way of Life, we have previously explored the dimensions of Islam (religion) and Iman (faith). Now, let's delve into 'Ehsan' (Ihsan) إِحْسان (The Pursuit of Excellence), the third dimension encapsulated in the Hadith of Gabriel (AS), collectively forming the Divine Way of Life—ISLAM.

 Ehsan (إِحْسان): Unraveling the Multifaceted Beauty and Depth of an Arabic Gem:

Ehsan (إِحْسان) an Arabic word of profound depth and richness, defies simplistic encapsulation with a single English term. It transcends mere linguistic constraints, embodying a spectrum of meanings that radiate brilliance. Ehsan is not just excellence; it is the embodiment of perfection and the essence of beauty. It resonates with the symphony of balance, harmony, discipline, and good character. It encapsulates the qualities of softness and gentleness, serving as a driving force for improvement and a testament to indomitable willpower. Ehsan is a multifaceted jewel, reflecting the human quest for a heightened existence, aspiring to embody the divine attributes encapsulated in the 99 beautiful names of Allah. It stands as a testament to the human spirit's noble endeavor to attain a lofty standard in every facet of life.

Unveiling Ehsan through the Lens of the Hadith of Gabriel: A Call to Spiritual Awareness and Devotion:

The Hadith of Gabriel (AS) beautifully articulates Ehsan: "Worship Allah as if you can experience Allah in front of you, and if you cannot do that, then at least be in a state where you are realizing that Allah is watching you." In essence, it beckons us to realize our role as servants of Allah.

Please note that when the Mighty Angel Gabriel inquired of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, "What is Ehsan?" The noteworthy aspect of the Prophet's (PBUH) response to this query is that he doesn't provide the literal meaning of the term (Ehsan) but instead imparts the methodology to attain (Ehsan). Our conduct is intricately linked to our perception of who is observing us. The nature of our actions and motivations undergoes transformation based on the presence of others. A classroom filled with children exhibits a certain demeanor in the absence of the teacher, yet their behavior improves when the teacher is present, and they become even more well-behaved in the presence of the Principal. Now, consider how any individual would comport themselves when fully aware, with absolute certainty in their hearts, that ALLAH is ever-present. They would seize every opportunity to showcase their devotion and obedience. Even if we struggle to reach this pinnacle due to our own shortcomings, the minimum expectation is to act as if Allah is watching us, thereby striving to attain (Ehsan).

Ehsan: Unveiling Profound Rewards and Spiritual Heights in Quran

In Surah Ar-Rahman, a compelling rhetorical question resonates throughout, echoing 31 times within the 78 verses: "Which of the favors of your Lord will you twain – you men and jinn – then deny?" Yet, nestled between these queries lies another, subtly profound ayah (55:60): "Is there any reward for Ehsan except Ehsan?" This inquiry, akin to a hidden gem, carries immense potency, inviting contemplation.

Scholars expound on three layers of significance within this rhetorical question:

(1) Those earnestly devoted to Allah's Cause, achieving Ehsan in both worship and daily life, receive a reward manifested as the sweetness of faith. Their existence becomes a rare testimony of continuous God-consciousness, where every action is driven by a higher purpose. In attaining Ehsan, they, in turn, experience the essence of Ehsan in their hearts.

(2) Those sincerely striving in Allah's Cause, reaching Ehsan in worship and daily endeavors, earn a reward of worldly success. Historical parallels, such as the Golden Age, exemplify this. Muslims of that era, embodying Ehsan in rituals and other pursuits, were rewarded with excellence in this world—epitomized by achievements in art, architecture, philosophy, and medical advancements.

(3) Those devoted to Allah's Cause, attaining Ehsan in worship and daily life, are rewarded with the ultimate success—paradise and the company of God in the hereafter.

In essence, the seemingly modest rhetorical device in ayah 55:60 conceals a profound impact. Those cognizant of the value of Ehsan, diligently striving for it, nurturing their roots and cultivating their essence, ultimately reap Allah's form of Ehsan—experiencing the sweetness of faith, success in this world, and the ultimate triumph in the hereafter.

Benefits and Rewards:

The fruit of Ehsan is an excellent life characterized by joy and tranquility, living as the vicegerent of Allah in this world. This state brings about a profound sense of contentment, free from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. The rewards extend beyond this world, promising eternal happiness as a companion of Allah.

For the intelligent, sincere believer, the ultimate goal is to embody absolute goodness and selflessness, finding joy in the presence of God. This, indeed, is the supreme 'way of life' offered to humanity, a path chosen by the wise who seek Divine Love. The invitation is universal, available to all, but only those with wisdom embrace this offer.

Throughout history, numerous early believers—companions, apostles, and saints among the followers of all 124,000 Prophets—attained this highest spiritual state. Their exemplary lives serve as a testament to the possibility of achieving such a cadre.

Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ teaching and training of ISLAM

The Prophetic Legacy: Educational Continuity in ISLAM

The teachings and training of ISLAM as conveyed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ have left an indelible mark on the course of Islamic education. Let us explore the prophetic methodology of education leading to EHSAN and its continuation through subsequent generations, highlighting key aspects of learning imparted by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companions in pursuit of Excellence - Ehsan.

Prophetic Methodology in Quranic Passages

The Quranic passages 2:151, 3:164, and 62:2 shed light on the prophetic methodology of education and training as discussed in previous articles. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in his role as an educator, emphasized the recitation of the Quran, internal and external purification, acquisition of knowledge, and the application of thoughts and wisdom. These passages form the foundation of the educational framework established by the Prophet ﷺ in pursuit of Excellence.

Training the First Generation: Sahaba (Companions)

The dedication and diligence of the Sahaba (RA), the first-generation learners, are commendably explored as examples of pursuit of Excellence. They were not just recipients of knowledge but were immersed in a holistic educational experience, where the Prophet ﷺ instilled the essence of ISLAM (Ehsan) in them practically, literally, intellectually, instinctively, and spiritually.

Their education encompassed recitation of the Quran, purification of the self, acquisition of knowledge, and the application of moral principles and divine wisdom. The uniformity of ISLAM among the Sahaba (RA) is attributed to the comprehensive training provided by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in all aspects of life.

Continuation of Prophetic Education by Sahaba

Sahaba (RA) continued the prophetic method of education to subsequent generations, albeit in smaller factions due to geographical dispersion. We explore here, how the Sahaba extended the prophetic education system, leading to the emergence of expertise in following four principal fields during the first two centuries of the Islamic Calendar:

1.  Recitation of the Quran - that produced expert Reciters ‘Qurra’.  

2.  Purification - that produced Experts and High Caliber Scientists, Sufia or Mystics

3.  Islamic Literacy or Theology = that produced Islamic Literalists or Theologians (Ulama)

4.  Wisdom - that produced great Thinkers, Researchers, Inventors and Scientists

Evolution of Expertise in Education 8th century Onwards

The era starting from the 8th century CE. onward marked the emergence of Muslim Scholars and Scientists specializing in different aspects of knowledge, contributing to the diversification of education for the benefits of humankind. They were the students of Sahaba (RA) and their followers down the line.

The emergence of distinct tendencies in Islamic expertise: literalists and mystics is emphasized here. These two types of Muslim Scholars (a) experts in law on doctrine or may be called Muslim Theologists or Ulama in Arabic and (b) experts in spirituality, Sufism, mysticism and some aspects of sacred art and may be called spiritual scientists, Mystics/Sufis. This diversification laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of Islamic scholarship.

Prominent Figures in Islamic Scholarship

There are many cases, where one person followed Ehsan and acquired expertise in both these tendencies of Islamic theology and mysticism and earned high respect among Muslim Societies right from the early emergence of Islam.

The key figures who mastered both theological and mystical aspects of ISLAM and practically demonstrated Excellence, the third dimension of Hadith of Gabriel (AS) are many. Some of them are Hazrat Hasan Basri, Hazrat Abu Al-Qasim Junyed of Baghdad, Hazrat Ali bin Uthman al-Hajveri, Hazrat Imam Al-Ghazali, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani, and Hazrat Mowlana Jalaluddine Rumi (may Allah be pleased with them all) exemplify the synthesis of knowledge and spirituality, contributing significantly to Islamic scholarship.

Conclusion:

In the exploration of 'Ehsan' (Ihsan) as the pursuit of excellence in Islam—the Supreme Way of Life, we have unraveled the multifaceted beauty and depth of this Arabic gem. Ehsan transcends linguistic constraints, embodying perfection, beauty, and the essence of balance. It serves as a driving force for improvement and a testament to indomitable willpower, reflecting the human quest for a heightened existence.

Through the lens of the Hadith of Gabriel (AS), we understand that Ehsan beckons us to realize our role as servants of Allah, emphasizing the transformative power of our conduct when rooted in the awareness of Allah's constant presence. The Quranic verses further illuminate the profound rewards of Ehsan, manifesting as the sweetness of faith, worldly success, and the ultimate triumph in the hereafter.

The benefits and rewards of Ehsan extend to an excellent life characterized by joy and tranquility, embodying the vicegerency of Allah. For the sincere believer, the ultimate goal is to find joy in the presence of God, embracing the supreme 'way of life' offered to humanity.

Examining the Prophetic Legacy, we see how Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ teachings and training in pursuit of Ehsan have shaped the course of Islamic education. The educational continuity through subsequent generations, particularly the Sahaba (RA), highlights the holistic approach to learning, encompassing the recitation of the Quran, self-purification, knowledge acquisition, and the application of wisdom and moral principles.

The evolution of expertise in education from the 8th century onward led to the emergence of Muslim scholars and scientists specializing in various fields, contributing to the diversification of Islamic scholarship and service to humanity. Noteworthy figures such as Hazrat Hasan Basri, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gillani, Imam Al-Ghazali, and Rumi exemplify the synthesis of knowledge and spirituality, embodying excellence and contributing significantly to Islamic scholarship and authority.

In essence, the pursuit of Ehsan stands as an invitation to all, offering a path of absolute goodness and selflessness, with the potential for eternal happiness as a companion of Allah. This journey, rooted in the teachings of Islam, continues to inspire seekers of excellence across generations, reflecting the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Supreme Way of Life.

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