Worshipping Allah Al Muhsin

By Umm Isam – Hiba Magazine Team Writer

Allah’s (swt) name ‘Al Muhsin’ is not mentioned in the Quran but rather in the Prophet’s (sa) Ahadeeth. He (sa) said: “… Allah is the Doer of Good and He loves [to see His slaves] do good.” (At Tabaranee classified as authentic by Shaikh Al Albanee.)

Al Muhsin is Allah’s (swt) beautiful name that means the ‘The Benefactor, The Doer of Good, The Benevolent’.

Allah Al Muhsin provides countless blessings to His creation. He is the One, who has perfected, sustained and guided everything He has created.

Allah (swt) loves Ihsaan (to grant benefit and favours), hence it is Allah’s (swt) fundamental attribute to give. The creation might not realize it or know about it. But by default from birth to death, every creation is wrapped and covered by Allah’s (swt) endless favours.

Allah’s (swt) creation is upon ‘Ahsan I Taqweem.’ Nobody shares the level of perfection that Allah Al Muhsin commands. The form, shape, size, role, benefit, time and place of birth, of all the creation is perfect. It is impossible for humans to reach this level of excellence. Simply because we neither have the power nor knowledge to benefit others.

Likewise, Allah’s (swt) general level of Ihsan is offered to everyone despite their faith and obedience to Allah (swt):

• Health and healing after sickness
• Family, spouse and offspring
• Education, career, earnings
• Wealth, status and resources
• Guidance in hardships

Every rejecter of Islam (Kaafir), polytheist (Mushrik) and hypocrite (Munafiq) tastes Allah Al Muhsin’s favours in the world. Allah (swt) does not oppress His enemies either. They are also dealt with Ihsaan whether they are punished in the world or in the hereafter.

 The mention of Allah’s (swt) Ihsan in the Quran:

1. Prophet Yusuf (as) – A model of exceptional Ihsan

The Quran states about Prophet Yusuf’s (as) gratitude in extremely difficult times. It is incredible that after multiple tragedies and accusations by others, all he could remember and mention were Allah’s (swt) favours. He acknowledged Allah’s (swt) benevolence: “And he raised his parents upon the throne and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said: ‘O my father this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (here) from Bedouin life after Satan had induced (estrangement) between me and my brothers…” (Yusuf 12:100)

2. The people of Qarun – Advising him to do Ihsan and not be a tyrant

The Quran records how the people warned and reminded Qarun of his actual role and accountability when he oppressed people. The Ayah states: “But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the hereafter and (yet), do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the world. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.” (Al Qasas 28:77)

What should the believers do after discovering Allah Al Muhsin?

1.Trust Allah Al Muhsin’s laws and decree

Allah (swt) is Perfect and so are His physical laws governing the universe and everything in between for billions of years. Similarly, His spiritual laws are perfect too commanding our lives. He is the best of legislators, planners and disposer of affairs. But mankind out of ignorance, satanic desires and arrogance criticizes Allah’s (swt) decree and the Shariah laws. Allah (swt) doesn’t give or withhold based on the creation’s obedience to Him. He is Benevolent as He is the Rabb.

2. Show benevolence even in harsh and hard tasks

The Prophet (sa) said: “If you judge, judge justly and if you kill, kill benevolently. Allah is Benevolent and He loves benevolence.” (At Tabarani).

Islam has no place for oppression and darkness even while dealing with enemies or carrying out punishments. Allah’s (swt) mercy governs every law and that’s exactly what He expects His slaves to follow.

3. Beautify daily dealings with people

The word ‘Ihsan’ is derived out of Husn, which means to adorn or beautify something. A believer doesn’t practice tit for tat. He is principle oriented, hence he goes the extra mile and surprises others by treating them best even when they don’t deserve it or are least expecting it. Why? Because, (Amal-e-Sualeh), good deeds are committed for Allah’s (swt) love and not for personal gain. The reward and result lie with Allah (swt) and not ordinary people.

4. Carry out mundane tasks with grace and excellence

Shaikh Hussain Yee, once shared that the simplest of tasks such as washing dishes can be beautified too. It doesn’t mean that we use expensive detergents or fancy crockery, etc. It simply means that the manner we carry out menial jobs also require skill, efficiency and a methodology that looks pleasing, brings better results and gives satisfaction to the doer, improving the quality of life.

5. Acknowledge other people’s Ihsan

Allah (swt) has placed the love of excellence in our nature. When somebody is good to us, our (Fitrah), the natural disposition appreciates it. We are automatically drawn towards such people and feel obliged. When blessings come our way we must realize that Allah (swt) places love in other people’s heart to do good to us. Hence we must acknowledge their action and efforts along with thanking Allah (swt). Among all human relations, parents are on the highest level, deserving of our Ihsan.

6. Appreciate and be grateful to Allah (swt) for Islam

Allah (swt) being the Creator of all that exists from an atom to the galaxies, sustains and nourishes them. However, a believer is granted special gift of (Iman) faith and (Yaqueen) conviction in the world. It enables him to stay the course of Siraat-e-Mustaqueem and be victorious, when others waver or wander off due to evil and hardships. This is the ultimate Ihsan, Allah Al Muhsin can grant to the believer. Hence it deserves (Shukr) gratitude.

7. Know that Allah Al Muhsin loves and rewards Ihsan in the world

Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “…Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Al Maidah 5:13). Allah Al Muhsin’s grandeur is no match to our worship and efforts. Still He commends and rewards the petty struggles of His weak slaves. In another place Allah (swt) states: “Is the reward for good (anything) but good?” (Ar Rahman 55:60)

8. Seek Allah Al Muhsin’s ultimate gift for the believers: Jannah and opportunity to see Allah (swt)

Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “For them who have done good is the best (reward) – and extra. No darkness will cover their faces, nor humiliation. Those are companions of paradise, they will abide therein eternally.” (Yunus 10:26)

It is human nature to desire excellence. Dunya is not a place of perfection, hence a believer can only strive and make Dua to end up in paradise by Allah’s (swt) mercy to taste the truly delightful and excellent bliss. A Hadeeth in Muslim promises that the believer will meet Allah (swt) and be able to gaze His Lord bi izn Allah. That will be the ‘extra’ Allah Al Muhsin refers to.

Lastly, live the life of Ihsan as it keeps the heart content and the Nafs tamed. It removes ugliness from relationships. Forgive the one who wrongs you. Give to the one who withholds from you. Restore connection with the one who forsakes it. You have Allah Al Muhsin on your back. Don’t expect anything from others.