How are Islam, iman and ihsan distinguished when mentioned together?
2026-09-20
T11 · Ibn Taymiyyah
Ibn Taymiyyah
شيخ الإسلام أحمد بن تيمية
Explanatory passage · Selected source passage(s) — fully translated
Selected source passage; the question-style heading is editorial unless an original question is separately displayed. The English translates every displayed Arabic paragraph; this selection is not the complete surrounding work. Square brackets identify translator-supplied clarification.
النص العربي
المقتطف
قد فرق النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في حديث جبريل بين مسمى الإسلام، ومسمى الإيمان، ومسمى الإحسان.
فجعل الإسلام للأعمال الظاهرة، والإيمان للأصول الباطنة التي في القلب، والإحسان أن تعبد الله كأنك تراه.
English translation
English translation reviewed against the displayed Arabic by SalafAlSalih editorial preparation (AI-assisted); explanatory additions appear in square brackets or separate notes.
Selected explanation
In the hadith of Jibrīl, the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, distinguished between what is meant by Islam, what is meant by īmān, and what is meant by iḥsān.
He assigned Islam to outward deeds, īmān to the inward foundations in the heart, and iḥsān to worshipping Allah as though you see Him.
Source and editorial notes
Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā 7/5–7
مجموع الفتاوى
Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā
Arabic passage checked against the cited edition and location. English reviewed against every displayed Arabic paragraph on 14 October 2026.