During a deeply spiritual Friday sermon at Al-Azhar Mosque, Dr. Hassan El-Saghir, President of Al-Azhar Global Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, delivered a moving message about the true meaning of Ihsan (excellence), interpreting the divine words: “And Allah loves those who do good.”
He explained that Allah Almighty commands both justice and excellence, for Ihsan is one of the foundations of faith. It means to worship Allah as if you see Him — and even if you do not see Him, He surely sees you. Dr. El-Saghir described Ihsan as a high spiritual rank that encompasses sincerity, compassion, and moral integrity in every aspect of life.
He noted that Ihsan has many levels: doing good in one’s relationship with God, showing kindness to parents, family, orphans, and neighbors — as the Qur’an commands in the verse:
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, near and distant neighbors, and travelers.”
Dr. El-Saghir stressed that Ihsan is not limited to acts of worship but extends to all human interactions and daily responsibilities, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Indeed, Allah has prescribed excellence in everything...”
This includes kindness even to animals and the environment, for excellence is the divine principle that uplifts all of creation.
He warned against misinterpreting Ihsan as a form of leniency or superficial kindness, explaining that true Ihsan means striving for perfection and righteousness in every act. Misguided interpretations can lead people to commit wrongs while believing they are doing good — as Allah says:
“Is he whose evil deed is made attractive to him so that he considers it good? Indeed, Allah leaves astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills.”
In addressing contemporary social issues, Dr. El-Saghir lamented how some professions have turned into commercial ventures rather than moral responsibilities. He gave the example of education, where some teachers neglect their duty, focusing on private gain rather than the noble mission of teaching, stressing that sincerity and diligence are the true forms of Ihsan.
He called upon every professional — teachers, doctors, engineers, and lawyers — to perform their duties faithfully and avoid justifying negligence under false pretenses of goodwill. True Ihsan cannot be divided, he said, “Whoever loses it in his work, loses it in his faith and conduct.”
Dr. El-Saghir concluded his sermon with a powerful message: Ihsan is not only an act of worship but a way of life. It is the spirit that builds nations, strengthens societies, and draws humanity closer to divine truth. A nation that perfects its work and acts with sincerity is one that truly lives by the essence of faith.
