Hadith 2

Islam, Iman, and Ihsan

حديث جبريل

أَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ الإِسْلامِ. قَالَ: الإِسْلامُ أَنْ تَشْهَدَ أَنْ لا إلَهَ إلا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَتُقِيمَ الصَّلاةَ، وَتُؤْتِيَ الزَّكَاةَ، وَتَصُومَ رَمَضَانَ، وَتَحُجَّ الْبَيْتَ إنْ اسْتَطَعْت إلَيْهِ سَبِيلاً

Translation

Tell me about Islam. He said: Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayer, to give zakat, to fast Ramadan, and to make pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.

Narrated by

Umar ibn al-Khattab

عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه

Source

Sahih Muslim

صحيح مسلم

Explanation

Known as "Hadith Jibril" (the Hadith of Gabriel), this comprehensive hadith defines the three levels of religion: Islam (submission), Iman (faith), and Ihsan (excellence). It covers the pillars of Islam, articles of faith, and the highest level of worship.

Key Lessons

  • 1Islam has five pillars that define outward practice
  • 2Iman consists of six articles of faith
  • 3Ihsan is the highest level - worshipping as if you see Allah
  • 4Religion encompasses actions, beliefs, and spiritual excellence