Ehsan is one of the most beautiful concepts in Islam, which teaches us to strive for the highest standard of goodness in all that we do. Here are 5 ways to practice it!
What is Ehsan?
Ehsan (إحسان) is one of the most beautiful concepts in Islam, meaning excellence, perfection, and doing good with sincerity. It goes beyond simply doing what is required - it means performing every action with the awareness that Allah SWT sees you, and striving for the highest standard of goodness in all that you do.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW defined Ehsan in the famous hadith of Jibreel: "Ehsan is to worship Allah SWT as if you see Him, for although you cannot see Him, He can see you." [Sahih Bukhari 4777]
Ehsan encompasses worshipping Allah SWT with excellence, treating others with kindness, and performing good deeds that benefit both this life and the Hereafter. Here are 5 ways for you to practice it!
1. Perfect Your Intentions
Ehsan begins in the heart. The value of your actions lies not in their scale, but in the purity of your intentions. No matter how big the act, Allah SWT will only accept it if your intentions are true. The Prophet SAW said: "Verily, Allah SWT does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions." [Sahih Muslim 2564c]
How to practice it: Before any act of charity or worship, examine your intentions. Are you seeking praise from others, merely following a habit, or are you doing this sincerely for Allah SWT?
2. Be Consistent in Small Acts
As mentioned, Ehsan isn't about grand gestures - it's about quality and also consistency. The Prophet SAW taught us: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small." [Sahih Bukhari 6464]
How to practice it: Start with small acts of ibadah or giving, and work on making them part of your daily routine. Even something as simple as Zikr, performed every morning and evening, can earn you incredible rewards!
3. Treat All Creations with Kindness
Ehsan extends beyond humans to all of Allah SWT's creations. The Prophet SAW said: "The Compassionate One has mercy on those who are merciful. If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, He Who is in heaven will show mercy to you." [Sunan Abi Dawud 4941]
How to practice it: Make it a habit to show kindness to all living things around you, from the stray cats you encounter to the plants near your house!
4. Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Ehsan also means giving excellence in whatever form you can offer. The Prophet SAW said: "Enjoining all that is good is charity." [Sahih Bukhari 6021]. Your unique talents and abilities are gifts from Allah - using them in the service of others is a powerful expression of Ehsan!
How to practice it: Identify one skill you have and find a way to use it to help others. Whether it’s through volunteering, community work, or simply spreading the word about a worthy cause, there are lots of ways you can make a difference.
5. Hasten Towards Kindness
Allah SWT says: "And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful (of Allah). (They are) those who donate in prosperity and adversity, control their anger, and pardon others. And Allah loves the good-doers." [Quran 3:133-134]
In this verse, Allah SWT makes it clear that we should always seek opportunities to help others, and that racing to do good is a trait He loves and rewards.
How to practice it: Always be on the lookout for an opportunity to do something kind!
Your Call to Ehsan This Winter
Here’s an opportunity for you to practice Ehsan right now. With temperatures dropping, thousands of refugees worldwide are facing increased hardship without access to proper winter supplies. They need your help to survive the harsh conditions ahead.
Global Ehsan Relief's Winter Projects are mobilising now to reach refugee families before the worst of the weather hits. Your contribution today can mean the difference between freezing in the cold and sleeping safely under thick blankets, with food keeping their bellies warm.
Will you answer the call to Ehsan? Support our Winter Projects today!
"Whatever you donate will be paid back to you in full, and you will not be wronged." [Quran 2:272]
