3 Layers of Faith (Golden Words of Allah – Episode 55)

“But righteousness is [not merely] in turning your faces toward the east or the west, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives wealth… establishes prayer… fulfills promises… and is patient in hardship. These are the ones who are true, and they are the righteous.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise is due to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh), is His slave and final Messenger.

Introduction
Faith in Islam is not a single, flat concept it is a journey of layers. At the surface is Islam, the outward submission. Beneath it lies Iman, the inner conviction. And at its peak is Ihsan, the spiritual excellence where one worships Allah with presence as if they see Him.

This triad was perfectly explained by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the famous Hadith of Jibril, when the Angel Jibril appeared in human form and asked: “Tell me about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan…”(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 8)

The Prophet (pbuh) replied in clear terms, defining the three core dimensions of the believer’s path.

What Is Islam?

Islam is the outward practice, the five pillars that define a Muslim’s actions: Testifying that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, Establishing the prayer, Giving zakah, Fasting in Ramadan, Performing Hajj if able.

These are physical, visible actions. A person who fulfills them is a Muslim, even if their inner belief is weak. But Islam without Iman is like a body without a soul.

“The Bedouins say, ‘We believe.’ Say, ‘You have not yet believed; but say, ‘We have submitted (Aslamna),’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:14)

What Is Iman?

Iman is faith that resides in the heart. It is not just belief, but belief that shapes one’s attitude, worldview, and trust in Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) said Iman is: “To believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny—both the good and the bad of it.” (Sahih Muslim)

Iman brings life to Islam. Without it, actions become hollow. With it, every act of worship carries sincerity and reward. And Iman fluctuates, it increases with good deeds and decreases with sin.

What Is Ihsan?

Ihsan is excellence in worship and consciousness of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined it as: “To worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you.”(Sahih Muslim)

This is the highest level of faith, the level of spiritual awareness, where sincerity deepens, humility flourishes, and the heart trembles in remembrance. A person with Ihsan doesn’t just perform acts of worship; they live every moment with divine presence.

Think of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan as a house: Islam is the foundation and structure. Iman is the stability and warmth inside. Ihsan is the fragrance and beauty that makes it feel like home. Without Islam, there is no submission. Without Iman, no sincerity. Without Ihsan, no excellence.

The Prophet (pbuh) closed the Hadith of Jibril by saying: “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.”

And Allah knows best.

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