What Is the Difference Between Iman, Islam, and Ihsan?


Introduction

In Islam, the concepts of Iman (faith), Islam (submission), and Ihsan (excellence) are fundamental aspects of a Muslim’s spiritual journey. These three pillars define a believer's relationship with Allah and their practice of religion. Understanding their differences and connections is essential for every Muslim who wishes to grow in faith and righteousness.

This article explores the differences between Iman, Islam, and Ihsan based on the Qur’an and authentic Hadith while highlighting their significance in a Muslim’s life.

The Hadith of Jibril: The Foundation of Iman, Islam, and Ihsan

The distinction between these three concepts is beautifully explained in the famous Hadith of Jibril. One day, Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the form of a man and asked:

  1. What is Islam?
  2. What is Iman?
  3. What is Ihsan?

The Prophet ﷺ answered each question, providing a clear explanation of these three levels of faith. This hadith serves as the foundation for understanding the differences and connections between Iman, Islam, and Ihsan.

What Is Islam? (Submission)

Definition: Islam, in its broadest sense, means submission to Allah by following His commandments and abstaining from His prohibitions. It is the outward practice of religion through acts of worship.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to perform Hajj if one is able to do so."
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 8)

From this definition, Islam consists of five pillars:

  1. Shahada – The testimony of faith
  2. Salah – The five daily prayers
  3. Zakat – Giving charity to the needy
  4. Sawm – Fasting in Ramadan
  5. Hajj – The pilgrimage to Makkah (if financially and physically able)

Key Characteristic: Islam focuses on outward actions and obedience to Allah’s commands. A person who follows these five pillars is considered a Muslim, even if their faith is weak.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

"This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 3)

Thus, Islam is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice.

What Is Iman? (Faith)

Definition: Iman refers to faith in the heart and the conviction in the unseen. It goes beyond outward actions and focuses on a person’s inner belief in Allah and His teachings.

The Prophet ﷺ defined Iman as:

"Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both its good and its bad."
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 8)

From this, we see that Iman consists of six pillars:

  1. Belief in Allah – Believing in the oneness of Allah
  2. Belief in angels – Accepting that angels exist and perform duties assigned by Allah
  3. Belief in divine books – Believing in the scriptures revealed by Allah (Qur’an, Torah, Gospel, Psalms)
  4. Belief in prophets – Accepting all the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ
  5. Belief in the Last Day – Believing in resurrection, judgment, and the afterlife
  6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Destiny) – Accepting that everything happens by Allah’s will

Key Characteristic: Iman is a matter of the heart. While Islam is about actions, Iman is about belief. A person can perform Islamic rituals, but without true Iman, their faith remains weak.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Iman increases and decreases. It increases with obedience to Allah and decreases with disobedience."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 43)

This means that a person’s faith is not static—it requires continuous effort and sincerity to strengthen.

What Is Ihsan? (Excellence in Worship)

Definition: Ihsan is the highest level of faith, where a person worships Allah with complete sincerity and devotion, as if they see Him.

When Angel Jibril asked the Prophet ﷺ about Ihsan, he replied:

"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you."
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 8)

Ihsan represents spiritual excellence, where a believer is fully conscious of Allah in every aspect of life.

Key Characteristic: Ihsan is about deep awareness of Allah in both actions and thoughts. A person with Ihsan does not only fulfill religious obligations but does so with sincerity, humility, and devotion.

Allah says:

"Indeed, Allah is with those who have Ihsan."
(Surah Al-Ankabut: 69)

A believer with Ihsan prays not just to fulfill an obligation but out of love for Allah. They avoid sins not out of fear of punishment alone but because they feel ashamed before Allah.

How Are Islam, Iman, and Ihsan Connected?

These three levels of faith are interdependent:

  1. Islam is the foundation – It represents obedience through actions.
  2. Iman strengthens Islam – It turns rituals into meaningful acts of devotion.
  3. Ihsan perfects Iman – It elevates faith to the highest level, bringing sincerity and spiritual excellence.

A person can be a Muslim without strong Iman, and they can have Iman without Ihsan. However, the ultimate goal of every believer should be to reach the level of Ihsan.

Practical Steps to Attain Ihsan

  1. Strengthen Your Iman: Increase faith through Qur’an recitation, reflection, and learning.
  2. Perfect Your Worship: Focus on sincerity and concentration in salah and other acts of worship.
  3. Remember Allah Constantly: Make dhikr (remembrance of Allah) part of daily life.
  4. Avoid Sin Consciously: Realize that Allah sees everything, even when alone.
  5. Make Du’a for Guidance: The Prophet ﷺ often prayed:
    “O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith No. 1522)

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Islam, Iman, and Ihsan helps us grow spiritually and deepen our relationship with Allah.

  • Islam is about actions.
  • Iman is about beliefs.
  • Ihsan is about sincerity and excellence in worship.

A true believer continuously strives to move from Islam to Iman and ultimately to Ihsan. May Allah guide us all to be among the Muhsinin (those who practice Ihsan). Ameen.


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