Islam, Imaan, Ihsaan

Speech given in a seminar at Noori Maskan, Hyderabad by Maulana Hafiz Dr. Syed Shah Badiuddin, Professor at Osmania University
Published in Muslim Murasu, April 2013

If both Islam and Imaan are mentioned in a Quran verse or Hadees, then they have different meanings. Islam means to accept outwardly and Imaan is to have faith in heart. This is clearly expressed in the Hadees of Jibreel (alai). Islam pertains to outward actions and Imaan pertains to heart.
But if a verse mentions only Islam or Imaan, then they will have comprehensive meaning. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 19 – ‘inna deena indallahil islam’. Islam is the only religion accepted by God. Here Islam encompasses faith and action. Surah Hadeed, 57, verse 19 – ‘wallazina aamanu billahi wa rasoolihi ulaika humu siddiqoon’. Here Imaan refers to both faith and deeds.
Surah Hujurat, 49, verse 14 – ‘qaalatil a’raabu amanna qul lam tu’minu walakin qulu aslamna’. In this verse, Islam and Imaan have different meanings, because both are referred. Some tribes surrounding Medina like Usaina, Zuhaina, Aslam accepted Islam only to protect their life and property. They did not accept Islam in heart.
Tirmidi Hadees – ‘every thing has a Zaahir (exterior) and Baatin (quintessence)’. Everybody knows what Islam means outwardly. Islam, in essence, is to sacrifice everything. It includes devoting property, money, offspring and life. It means to completely submit to God.
Surah Baqara, 2, verse 131 – ‘izqaala lahu rabbuhu aslim qaala aslamtu lirabbil aalameen’. Prophet Ibrahim (alai) completely submitted to God. He sacrificed everything.
‘al moominu miratul moomin’. Moomin is mirror for Moomin.
Sheykh Abdul Qader Jeelani explains that one Moomin in this Hadees refers to God. Moomin is one of Asmaul Husna. Another Moomin refers to the believer. Religion is composite of Islam, Imaan and Ihsaan. Ihsaan came to be known as Tasawwuf in later times.
The goal of Tasawwuf is to learn complete servitude to God, regardless of whether in the prayer or involved in other activities. Ali (rali) says, “I did not worship God without seeing Him”. Umar (rali) says, “ I see God in my heart with His Noor”.