The Hadith: A Complete Teaching of Faith, Islam & Ihsan

One of the most comprehensive teachings in Islam comes from a remarkable encounter documented in Sahih Muslim. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates an extraordinary day when a mysterious man appeared before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and posed questions that would illuminate the very foundations of our faith.

🌿 The Three Pillars: Iman, Islam, and Ihsan

The stranger asked about three fundamental concepts, and the Prophet’s answers provide us with a complete framework for understanding our religion.

1. Iman (Faith)

When asked “What is Iman?”, the Prophet (ﷺ) explained that true faith means believing in:

• Allah
• His angels
• His Books
• Meeting Him
• His Messengers
• The Resurrection and the Hereafter

This encompasses the entirety of our creed — the unseen realities that form the foundation of a Muslim’s worldview.

2. Islam (Submission)

The Prophet (ﷺ) defined Islam through its practical pillars:

• Worshipping Allah alone without associating partners with Him
• Establishing the obligatory prayers
• Paying Zakat (obligatory charity)
• Fasting during Ramadan

These are the visible acts of worship that distinguish a Muslim’s practice.

3. Ihsan (Excellence)

Perhaps most beautifully, when asked about Ihsan, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion, then know that He is seeing you.”

This is the highest level — worshipping with such consciousness and sincerity that it’s as though you are in the direct presence of your Creator.

⏳ Signs of the Last Hour

When asked about the Hour of Judgment, the Prophet (ﷺ) humbly admitted that he had no more knowledge of its timing than the questioner. However, he shared several signs:

• When slave-girls give birth to their masters
• When the barefoot, naked, and destitute shepherds compete in constructing tall buildings
• The knowledge of five matters belongs to Allah alone

He then recited the verse:

“Verily Allah! With Him alone is the knowledge of the Hour…” (Qur’an 31:34)

✨ The Divine Revelation

The most astonishing part of this narration comes at the end. After the stranger departed, the Prophet (ﷺ) asked his companions to bring him back — but he had vanished without a trace. The Prophet (ﷺ) then revealed:

“That was Jibril (Gabriel), who came to teach you your religion.”

🌸 Lessons for Us Today

This hadith, found in Sahih Muslim, serves as a complete curriculum for Muslims. Angel Jibril came in human form to model how we should seek knowledge — through humble questioning — and the Prophet’s responses gave us a roadmap for our spiritual journey.

We learn that Islam is not merely rituals, nor is it just beliefs in the heart. It is a complete way of life that integrates:

• Correct belief (Iman)
• Right action (Islam)
• Spiritual excellence (Ihsan)

May Allah grant us the ability to embody all three dimensions of this beautiful faith. 🤍

📚 Reference: Sahih Muslim