Exploring Ihsan in Qurʿan and Islamic Mystical Exegesis: A Study on Isrāʾīliyyāt Contributions

This study delves into the intricate layers of ihsan in its qurʿanic exposition and subsequent interpretations in Islamic mystical exegesis. and intends to illuminate ihsan as a multifaceted term that holds significance within the hadith-based tradition. Ihsan emerges as a spiritual summit, representing the profound practice of adoring God as though He were in one's immediate view. This profound principle transcends mere scholarly grasp, obligating the faithful to execute actions with the highest degree of excellence. The Hadith corpus, especially those narratives influenced by israʾīliyyat, enriches this concept by presenting the creation of humanity in God's image. This imagery, however, is not to be understood in a physical sense but rather as a reflection of God's attributes of compassion, equity, and righteousness. The qurʿanic portrayal of ihsan depicts a dual aspect: it defines divine excellence and benevolence, and on a human level, it conveys a deep spiritual loyalty and a selfless societal commitment. Two illustrative qurʿanic verses serve as touchstones for this discussion. Firstly, the Meccan Verse Q 55:60 reinforces the social dimension of Iḥsān by promoting moral reciprocity and mutual benefit in community interactions. This idea is particularly significant in the nascent Muslim society, where community building was a central theme. The term ihsan refers to the virtue of doing good, which, in this scenario, is not limited to a spiritual context but extends to social interactions and relationships. Secondly, Medinan Verse Q 2:83 introduces ihsan in a sociological frame within the Medinan texts, accentuating societal responsibilities of benevolence and fairness that transcend personal ties and advocating for a more universal ethic of kindness. This mirrors the Biblical commandment to honor one’s parents, indicating that honoring parents is not merely a personal moral duty but is imbued with a sociological function, as it fosters a culture of respect, continuity, and social harmony. In the Qurʾan, the Medinan period sees a more explicit formulation of social legislation, and ihsan is a crucial component. It encapsulates the virtue of doing good and acting with justice and kindness in various aspects of life, including in treating parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and all human relationships. This study aims to advance a nuanced understanding of ihsan that accommodates its varied representations, transcending its qurʿanic textuality to include perspectives external to the Islamic corpus. Such insights are expected to contribute to a productive interfaith dialogue and enrich the mutual understanding between Islamic and Jewish intellectual traditions. This investigation aims to discern how the concept of ihsan is framed within the Qurʿan and how it is further nuanced in mystical exegesis, particularly considering