In the above hadith the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, defines Al-Islam, i.e. the five pillars, as the outward actions of the limbs, Al-Iman as being associated with belief – the inner actions ofthe heart, and Al-Ihsan as the highest level to attain. But the first two definitions can be
interchanged with each other – sometimes Islam can be used to describe internal actions and
Iman can mean external actions. There are a few hadiths which The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi
wasallam, mentions that there are more than seventy actions which are considered as Iman.
If the term Islam is used on its own, it means the whole thing – Al-Islam, Al-Iman and Al-Ihsan.
Similarly, when Iman is used on its own it means Al-Iman, Al-Islam and Al-Ihsan. The Prophet,
sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, mentions at the end of this hadith that the deen consists of these three things.
If the Iman is weak it will affect Al-Islam (good deeds/actions). According to al-Imam Abu
Hanifa: Even though Al-Iman and Al-Islam are different, Al-Iman necessitates the actions (Al?Islam).
Some Scholars say the Muslims are considered strangers among the Disbelievers; and the
Mua’minin are considered strangers among the Muslims; and the Muhsinin are considered strangers among the Mua’minin.
Al-Ihsan (the highest level of Iman where we worship Allah as if we see Him or if we don’t see
Him we know He sees us) is about fearing Allah and glorifying Him. This will lead us to strive
for our best in performing our ibadah – we will be more sincere in our ibadah. Thus Al-Ihsan is
also about the best actions of the heart. The actions that will lead to Al-Ihsan: to love Allah the
most, to fear Allah the most, to seek the help of Allah, to have hope in Allah that He will give us
mercy and guide us, to trust Allah wholly.
Hope these evidences are enough to satisfy you. If you think they are not still enough, follow me keenly and get before you other equally thirst quenching evidences about the subject. In fact you can even educate others about it better than I’m doing. Be concerned about what concerns you yet seek knowledge, for ignorance is a prison wherein the inmates are those who are reluctant when it comes to seeking knowledge. When you learn, you lead others aright and save them from captivity. But you don’t just learn anything, you seek beneficial knowledge and wisdom from the right sources with the proper ethics. Look for the write up on ethics of seeking knowledge. And as usual, when you sleep over the bed of heedlessness in your youth, then be sure to tread on the path of regret during old age.
Let me hasten to reiterate that seeking knowledge frees you from the captivity and prison of ignorance and darkness. So my good friends, brothers and sisters in Islam, seek beneficial knowledge and wisdom with the correct ethics, aiming to benefit society with the knowledge and hoping for reward from the Almighty Allah. Laziness is very attractive to ignorance, so wherever there is laziness in the quest for knowledge, be certain to find ignorance married happily to Mr. laziness, making a perfect couple with darkness as their residence.
Corrections, criticisms and the like are welcome as usual. They keep me on my toes and on the look out for much information. Since information is key in this day and age
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