About Ihsan Institute

It is reported on the authority of ‘Umar b. al-Khattab that he said:

“One day, while we were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ‎, a man appeared before us. His garments were sparkling white; his hair the darkest black. No signs of travel appeared on him. None of us recognised him. He went to the Prophet ﷺ‎ and sat in front of him, placing his knees before the Prophet’s ﷺ‎ knees. He also placed his hands upon the Prophet’s thighs, saying: ‘Muhammad, What is Islam?’

The Prophet ﷺ‎ , replied, saying: ‘Islam is to testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; to establish regular prayer; to give regular alms; to fast Ramadan; and, to visit Allah’s House as a pilgrim, if you are able.’

The stranger said, ‘You speak the truth.’
‘Umar said: We were amazed that he would ask him [a question], then tell him he was truthful!

The stranger said: ‘Muhammad, what is faith?’
“The Prophet ﷺ‎ replied, saying: ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in [the Divine] Power, its good and its ill.’
The stranger said: ‘You speak the truth.’

Then, he said: ‘What is Ihsan?’
The Prophet ﷺ‎ replied, saying: ‘Ihsan is to serve Allah as though you see Him, but if you see Him not, then [to serve Him knowing] He sees you.‘
The stranger said: ‘You speak the truth.’

Then, he said: ‘Can you inform me about the Hour?’
The Prophet ﷺ‎ replied, saying: ‘The questioned knows no more about it then the questioner.’
The stranger said: ‘Then tell me of its signs.’
The Prophet ﷺ‎ said: ‘[Among] its signs are that the slave woman shall give birth to her mistress, and that the poor, naked and barefoot, the herders of sheep, shall compete in raising tall buildings.’

The stranger tarried but a moment before departing. The Prophet (s) said to me: ‘ ‘Umar, do you know who was the questioner?’ I replied that Allah and His Messenger knew better.

The Prophet ﷺ‎ said: ‘This is Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.’”

Ihsan Institute was established to build around this hadith: Islam, Iman and Ihsan. The Prophet ﷺ‎ explained that the first aspect of our Religion, Islam, consists of external actions, both conduct and speech. Regarding Iman, The Prophet ﷺ‎) explained it as inner beliefs in the heart. Finally, The Prophet ﷺ‎ linked Ihsan with spirituality.

Islam is a holistic way of life and incorporates beliefs, actions and spirituality. Through Ihsan Institute, we aim to Inspire people, and Motivate them to make a positive Change in their lives.