This 5-day Quran-based plan explores the beauty and power of Ihsan (excellence) at a time when greed, self-promotion, and moral shortcuts dominate the world around us. Drawing on the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and authentic Islamic teachings, this plan, inshaAllah, will help you cultivate a life of intentionality, sincerity, and elevated character. Whether you're seeking to improve your worship, work ethic, relationships, or inner life, each lesson invites you to do it not for praise, but for the pleasure of the One who sees all.
According to Imam Raghib Al Asfahani (d. c. 502 AH / 1108 CE), Ihsan (spiritual excellence and moral beauty) stands above justice. Justice (‘adl) means that a person gives others what is due to them and takes no more than what is rightfully his. But Ihsan goes beyond that: it is to give more than what is owed, and to take less than what is one’s due. Thus, Ihsan surpasses justice, for while justice is an obligation, Ihsan is a virtue of grace, generosity, and voluntary goodness. Allah alludes to this higher station in His saying: “And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good (Muhsin)?” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/4:125">4:125</a>)
<h2>Topics Covered:</h2>
<ul>
<li>What Ihsan means in daily life and worship</li>
<li>How the Prophet (peace be upon him) modeled consistent excellence</li>
<li>Resisting dishonesty, greed, and shortcuts in pursuit of integrity</li>
<li>Fighting self-glorification by renewing sincerity</li>
<li>How to live with purpose and excellence, even when unseen</li>
</ul>
Begin today to live with greater sincerity, honor, and purpose, striving for excellence under the watch of the One who matters most.
We'd love to hear your feedback: <a href="mailto:learningplans@quran.com">learningplans@quran.com</a>

<h3>Quran Verses</h3>
<blockquote>
“Surely Allah is with those who shun evil and who do good ˹deeds˺.” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/16:128">16:128</a>)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
“Whoever fully submits themselves to Allah and is a good-doer, they have certainly grasped the firmest hand-hold. And with Allah rests the outcome of ˹all˺ affairs.” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/31:22">31:22</a>)
</blockquote>
<h3>Lesson &amp; Reflection</h3>
Ihsan is the heartbeat of excellence in Islam. It is not just about performing acts of worship. It is about performing them with full awareness, sincerity, and love for Allah. It transforms the ordinary into extraordinary simply because the believer is conscious that Allah sees and knows all things.
To live with Ihsan is to live with sincerity and purpose. It’s choosing patience when frustration feels easier, honesty when lying would be more convenient, and devotion in prayer, even when you’re tired or distracted. Ihsan is a mindset that says, “Allah sees me, and I want to offer my best.”
The Quran consistently praises the Muhsineen (those who live with this excellence). In Surah An-Nahl, Allah assures that He is with those who act with Ihsan. And in Surah Luqman, we are taught that true excellence is submitting to Allah entirely, not halfway or occasionally, and doing good with depth and devotion. May Allah make us among the Muhsineen. Ameen
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied Ihsan in every aspect of his life. He upheld truth, justice, and compassion, not because people around him always appreciated it, but because he was anchored in the awareness of Allah. Surrounded by mockery and corruption, he remained steady, dignified, and beautifully consistent in goodness.
When we live with Ihsan, we are not waiting for applause from people. We are living for the pleasure of Allah, knowing that He sees, knows, and appreciates every sincere effort.
<h3>Hadith</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
 “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you.”
 (Sahih al-Bukhari 4777)
This hadith defines the inner dimension of Ihsan. It offers a clear mental and spiritual framework: You may not see Allah, but the certainty that He sees you should elevate your every act. This awareness fuels sincerity, humility, and continuous striving for excellence in worship and conduct.
<h3>Practical Activity</h3>
Before your next salah, remind yourself:
 “Allah sees me, and therefore I want to offer my best.”
 Let this transform your prayer into a conscious, heartfelt offering.
Reflect on this verse:
 “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ˹genuine˺ prayer should deter ˹one˺ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ˹deterrent˺. And Allah ˹fully˺ knows what you ˹all˺ do.” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/29:45">29:45</a>)
This reminds us that prayer is more than a routine act—it is a sacred worship that trains the heart and character. It’s spiritual training. And when we pray with Ihsan, it begins to shape how we speak, behave, and make decisions.
<h3>Dua</h3>
<h2>اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى، وَالتُّقَى، وَالْعَفَافَ، وَالْغِنَى</h2>
Allāhumma innī as’aluka al-hudā, wat-tuqa, wal-‘afāfa, wal-ghinā.
“O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.”
(Sahih Muslim 2721)
<h3>Reflection Question</h3>
What would my daily actions, prayer, speech, work, and habits look like if I truly lived every moment knowing that Allah sees me?

What is Ihsan? Living with Excellence Under Allah’s Watch

<h3>Quran Verses</h3>
<blockquote>
&quot;And you are truly ˹a man˺ of outstanding character.&quot;
 (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/68:4">68:4</a>)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&quot;Be gracious, enjoin what is right, and turn away from those who act ignorantly.&quot; (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/7:199">7:199</a>)
</blockquote>
<h3>Lesson &amp; Reflection</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not only the final Messenger, but he is also the best role model of Ihsan. His life was a life of excellence in thought, action, and intention. His standard was not shaped by culture, pressure, or emotion. It was shaped by his connection to Allah, which translated into grace, patience, justice, and compassion in every situation.
Surah Al-Qalam (68:4) highlights that the Prophet’s character (peace be upon him) was not just good but “outstanding.” This wasn't just in major public moments; it was in everyday dealings: forgiving enemies, showing kindness to the poor, playing with children, and being tender with his family. His Ihsan was visible in how he worshiped Allah with full devotion and interacted with the most vulnerable with equal honor.
In Surah Al-A’raf (7:199), Allah commands three principles: be gracious, promote what is right, and avoid engaging with ignorance. This wasn’t theoretical for the Prophet (peace be upon him); it was his everyday reality. When mocked, he stayed composed. When hurt, he forgave. When misunderstood, he clarified with calm dignity. He knew that excellence wasn't in overpowering others but in submitting to Allah’s standards for humanity.
And Allah praises this very softness in Surah Aal-‘Imran (3:159): “Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you.” His Ihsan is what drew hearts to him. Following his way means bringing beauty to our character in all spaces. Not only in prayer but also in how we talk, deal, listen, and forgive.
Sometimes, we focus on ritual acts alone, forgetting that Ihsan also extends to how we treat people. The Prophet’s example teaches us that when faced with mundane or even challenging moments, they can all be transformed into worship as long as they are done with care, integrity, and sincerity.
<h3>Hadith</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
 “Verily, Allah has prescribed Ihsan in all things...”
 (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1955)
This hadith emphasizes that Ihsan is not limited to worship but applies to every single aspect of life, from how we pray and work to how we speak, eat, deal with others, and even how we handle hardship or perform necessary tasks. The Prophet (peace be upon him) modeled this by bringing intentional excellence to every situation. The hadith is a call to consistent moral beauty, not occasional acts of goodness.
<h3>Practical Activity</h3>
Beautify One Act Today:
 Choose a simple act, your next prayer, a conversation, or a chore, and do it with intentional Ihsan. Focus on sincerity, patience, and doing it well, purely for the sake of Allah.
 This transforms mundane routines into worship and brings the Sunnah to life.
<h3>Dua</h3>
<h2>اللَّهُمَّ كَمَا أَحْسَنْتَ خَلْقِي، فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي</h2>
Allāhumma kamā aḥsanta khalqī, fa-ḥassin khuluqī
“O Allah, just as You have perfected my physical creation, perfect my character.”
(Bulugh al-Maram, Book 16, Hadith 101)
<h3>Reflection Question</h3>
In which area of my life do I most need to reflect the Prophet’s standard of Ihsan?

The Prophetic Standard

<h3>Quran Verses</h3>
<blockquote>
&quot;Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, nor deliberately bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property, knowing that it is a sin.&quot; (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/2:188">2:188</a>)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&quot;Woe to the defrauders! Those who take full measure ˹when they buy˺ from people, but give less when they measure or weigh for buyers.&quot; (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/83:1-3">83:1-3</a>)
</blockquote>
<h3>Lesson &amp; Reflection</h3>
In an age where profit often outweighs principle, and cutting ethical corners is normalized or even admired, Ihsan calls us to resist the tide. Today’s world often celebrates manipulation as a strategy and deceit as intelligence, but the Quran clearly marks these actions as major violations of trust and justice.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188) firmly prohibits consuming wealth unjustly, whether through bribery, manipulation, or quiet exploitation. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1–3) warns against double standards; taking full advantage of others but giving back less. These verses aren’t limited to merchants. They call out anyone who is unjust in dealings, whether in time, effort, responsibility, or service.
To be a muhsin (person of Ihsan) in this environment is to go against the current. It means choosing honesty when dishonesty is easier. It means fulfilling obligations fully even when tempted by shortcuts. It means fearing Allah more than disappointing a boss, losing money, or falling behind in a competitive world. It is holding yourself accountable in private as much as in public.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is our standard here. Even before prophethood, he was known as Al-Amin, the trustworthy. His integrity in business earned him respect in a corrupt society. He never lied to gain an edge or deceived to maintain a deal. His wealth came with responsibility, and his word was sacred. To follow his example is to pursue success that’s clean, lawful, and pleasing to Allah and not just impressive to people.
This is Ihsan: doing what’s right, not for applause or advantage, but because Allah sees you, and that’s enough.
<h3>Hadith</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
 “The honest and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.”
 (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1209)
This hadith clearly illustrates the immense spiritual reward for those who maintain honesty in business and transactions. So much so that they are grouped with prophets and martyrs. In a world that tempts us to compromise, this hadith reminds us that Allah elevates those who remain trustworthy. It affirms that success through Ihsan is not just moral; it is eternal.
<h3>Practical Activity</h3>
Audit Your Dealings Today:
Take time to reflect on your recent interactions, whether in work, studies, family, or finances. Ask yourself: Have I delivered fully on my promises? Have I fallen short in time, effort, or fairness?
Choose one thing to fix, fulfill, or restore today with full sincerity. Whether it’s repaying a debt, admitting a mistake, or finishing an obligation, do it for Allah’s sake. This is living with Ihsan, not just in what we avoid, but in what we fix.
<h3>Dua</h3>
<h2>اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ</h2>
Allāhumma ikfinī biḥalālika ‘an ḥarāmik, wa aghninī bifaḍlika ‘amman siwāk.
“O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful over what You have made unlawful, and make me independent of all others besides You.”
(Jami` At-Tirmidhi 3563)
<h3>Reflection Question</h3>
Where in my life might I be tempted to compromise values for gain, and what would it look like to choose Allah over advantage?

Against the Current: Staying Honest in a World of Greed

<h3>Quran Verses</h3>
<blockquote>
&quot;Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We will increase their harvest. And whoever desires ˹only˺ the harvest of this world, We will give them some of it, but they will have no share in the Hereafter.&quot; (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/42:20">42:20</a>)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
&quot;even though they were only commanded to worship Allah ˹alone˺ with sincere devotion to Him in all uprightness, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. That is the upright Way.&quot; (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/98:5">98:5</a>)
</blockquote>
<h3>Lesson &amp; Reflection</h3>
In a world saturated with self-promotion, public recognition, and the constant desire to be seen, the Quran reminds us that true excellence (Ihsan) is rooted in sincerity, not in visibility.
Surah Ash-Shura (42:20) draws a sharp contrast between two motivations: seeking the harvest of the Hereafter versus seeking worldly applause. If our efforts are solely for worldly returns, whether fame, admiration, or self-importance, then that limited reward is all we’ll receive. But if our actions are done sincerely for Allah, seeking His pleasure, then He promises to multiply our reward in the Hereafter.
Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5) strips worship down to its essence: devotion in purity. It’s not the action alone that matters; it’s the intention behind it. Ihsan means doing what is right, even when no one notices, simply because Allah sees, and His view is the only one that counts.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) achieved global transformation, yet his heart remained grounded in humility. He lived by the highest standards of sincerity, so much so that he feared even the subtlest traces of riya (showing off). He taught his companions that deeds not anchored in sincerity are not just wasted; they can become a source of spiritual danger.
This is our challenge: to purify our intentions constantly, to serve and worship not for validation but out of deep love and awe of Allah. Ihsan means being unseen by people but fully seen by Allah and being content with that.
<h3>Hadith</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
 “If anyone wants to have his deeds widely publicized, Allah will publicize (his humiliation). And if anyone makes a hypocritical display (of his deeds), Allah will make a display of him.”
 (Sahih Muslim 2986)
This hadith is a powerful warning against seeking public attention for spiritual acts. It reinforces the understanding that sincerity is not just commendable; it’s essential. When our worship or good deeds become performance for others, they lose their reward, and worse, they risk becoming a cause for exposure and disgrace in the Hereafter. Ihsan is protected by sincerity and threatened by self-glorification.
<h3>Practical Activity</h3>
Hide a Good Deed Today:
 Do one act of kindness, charity, or worship that no one else will see or know about. Make it your secret gift to Allah, no sharing, no posting, no telling. Just you and Him.
Why it matters: It trains your heart to seek reward only from Allah and to find peace in His unseen appreciation.
<h3>Dua</h3>
<h2>اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ</h2>
Allāhumma innī a`ūdhu bika an ushrika bika wa anā a`lam,wa astaghfiruka limā lā a`lam.
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating anything with You, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do unknowingly.”
(Hisn al-Muslim 203)
<h3>Reflection Question</h3>
Am I doing something good for the sake of being seen and appreciated, or sincerely for Allah alone?

Sincerity vs. Self-Glorification

<h3>Quran Verses</h3>
<blockquote>
“Strive for ˹the cause of˺ Allah in the way He deserves, for ˹it is˺ He ˹Who˺ has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion—the way of your forefather Abraham. ˹It is Allah˺ Who named you ‘the ones who submit ˹in the˺ earlier ˹Scriptures˺ and in this ˹Quran˺, so that the Messenger may be a witness over you, and that you may be witnesses over humanity. So establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and hold fast to Allah. He ˹alone˺ is your Guardian. What an excellent Guardian, and what an excellent Helper!” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/22:78">22:78</a>)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
“Spend in the cause of Allah and do not let your own hands throw you into destruction ˹by withholding˺. And do good, for Allah certainly loves the good-doers.” (Quran <a href="https://quran.com/2:195">2:195</a>)
</blockquote>
<h3>Lesson &amp; Reflection</h3>
Ihsan (spiritual excellence) is not something limited to big, dramatic acts of worship or rare moral tests. It’s a way of life. It is a lens through which you see every moment as meaningful, every interaction as an opportunity, and every task, no matter how small, as a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Surah Al-Hajj (22:78) reminds us to strive for Allah with the effort due to Him. This striving is not defined by hardship, but by sincerity. Allah does not burden us with perfection, but calls us to sincere effort, presence, and intention. His religion is not a burden but a dignifying path that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195) affirms that Allah loves the muhsineen: those who consistently strive for excellence. Whether in prayer, work, family life, or moments of solitude, your striving for goodness is not unnoticed. Every time you resist unethical shortcuts, forgive when it’s hard, speak gently, or give quietly, you are living Ihsan. You are stepping into Allah’s love.
And if you ever fall short, it doesn’t remove you from this path. Ihsan means rising with humility, recommitting with hope, and living each day with intention, even in rest, even in silence. The one who strives consistently, even with shortcomings, is more beloved to Allah than the one who performs outwardly without sincerity.
<h3>Hadith</h3>
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
إنَّ اللهَ تعالى يُحِبُّ إذا عمِلَ أحدُكمْ عملًا أنْ يُتقِنَهُ
&quot;Indeed, Allah loves that when one of you does a deed, he does it with excellence.&quot;
(Reported in al-Tabarani)
This hadith beautifully reinforces that ihsan is not simply an ideal but a beloved quality in the sight of Allah. Whether it's the way you organize your work, offer a helping hand, teach a child, or speak with someone who misunderstands you, Allah loves for every deed to be done with care, sincerity, and skill.
<h3>Practical Activity</h3>
Set Your Ihsan Intention Today:
 Choose one daily action, be it your work, your conversations, your chores, or even your rest, and begin it by saying in your heart:
 “I will do this as if Allah is watching, because He is.”
This small shift can transform routine into reward and bring barakah (blessing) into the simplest moments of your day.
<h3>Dua</h3>
<h2>اللَّهمَّ اجعَلْ خيرَ عُمُري آخِرَه اللَّهمَّ اجعَلْ خواتيمَ عمَلي رِضوانَكَ اللَّهمَّ اجعَلْ خيرَ أيَّامي يومَ ألقاكَ</h2>
Allāhumma aj‘al khayra ‘umrī ākhirah, Allāhumma aj‘al khawātīma ‘amalī riḍwānak, Allāhumma aj‘al khayra ayyāmī yawm alqāk.
O Allah, make the best part of my life its ending. O Allah, make the last of my deeds those that earn Your pleasure. O Allah, make the best of my days the day I meet You.
(At-Tabarani 9/157)
<h3>Reflection Question</h3>
What is one daily act I can transform from routine into Ihsan simply by remembering that Allah sees me in it?

Living with Ihsan in Every Moment

A 5-day Quran-based guide to help you live with *Ihsan* (spiritual excellence) in a world overwhelmed by greed, distraction, and self-promotion, inspired by the Prophet’s example.