Ihsan means excellence without expecting return
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will replace your imperfect ihsan with His perfect ihsan on the day of judgment.”
Muslims should practice ihsan, excellence rooted in awareness of Allah, in worship, relationships, hardship, and community life, trusting that Allah will reward it.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Allah's divine principles and presents ihsan as a hopeful principle from Surah al-Rahman.
- Explains that ihsan brings Allah's perfect reward and defines ihsan through the Hadith of Jibreel.
- Applies ihsan to worship by adding sunnah, deepening prayer, and giving charity beyond zakat.
- Applies non-transactional ihsan to marriage, parenting, family duties, and unreciprocated effort.
- Addresses harassment and difficult times by urging firmness without retaliation, plus support and education for children.
- Closes with masjid fundraising and a family Umrah announcement, then prays for community protection and ihsan.
In the khateeb's words
“It's not perfect ihsan. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will replace your imperfect ihsan with His perfect ihsan on the day of judgment.”
“When people go low, brothers and sisters, go high. Don't go down to the level. Go higher.”
“Power should never change your personality. Power should never change who you are. Never change who you are.”
“Our relationships, the brothers and sisters have become transactional. She gives me something, I give her something in return. That's it.”
For the dinner table
Imam Salah Mahmoud taught that ihsan means striving for excellence and worshipping Allah with the awareness that He sees us. He said Allah does not waste even imperfect efforts, and that ihsan should shape prayer, charity, marriage, parenting, and how we respond when others treat us badly. Yusuf was offered as an example of staying gracious through hardship and power without taking revenge. The family takeaway is to do one extra good deed, avoid keeping score at home, speak gently, and give children time and a connection to the masjid. The imam also invited the community to support the masjid and consider the announced family Umrah trip.
- What is one act of ihsan you could do at home without being asked?
- How can you go high when someone else goes low?
- What kind of quality time helps you feel supported by your family?
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored