Charity in the Light of the Sunnah of the Prophet - an Objective Study

Abstract

This study addresses the topic of "Ihsan (Excellence) in the Prophetic Sunnah", considering it one of the great stations upon which the religion is built. The research aims to clarify the concept of Ihsan from both linguistic and terminological perspectives, and to highlight its status in the Sunnah through Prophetic texts. It further explains the diverse meanings and applications of Ihsan according to the type of action it is associated with— whether worship, interaction, moral conduct, or governance. The researcher adopted an inductive-analytical approach, by surveying authentic and sound Hadiths, extracting their meanings, and analyzing the manifestations of Ihsan mentioned therein. The study distinguishes between what is obligatory and what is recommended, offering commentary and proper documentation from original sources. The research concludes that Ihsan is a comprehensive value that encompasses all aspects of a Muslim’s life. It serves as a criterion for sincere compliance and excellence in performance, and is not confined to a particular domain, but applies contextually according to the nature and rank of the deed. The Prophetic Sunnah outlines the features of Ihsan in precise forms that govern the relationship between the individual and his Lord, himself, and others.