Doing everything with "ihsan"

We are often reminded by khateebs and imams to do things to the best of our ability. And, we often respond by nodding our heads and thinking, “when is he going to stop talking?”

But, the real issue at hand is not whether we know doing our best is important, but rather “how do we know we are doing, or did, our best?”

Before I answer that question, why is this important to know?

Imagine yourself standing on the Day of Judgment. For as far as you can see, there is an ocean of people, packed close together. There’s hardly any room to move. You stand on your toes, trying to figure out where you are and what is going on, hoping to get a glimpse of something to give you comfort. The most shocking of all in this intense scene is that, in this immense crowd of people, there is a deathly silence, filled with fear, as you see the angels in the distance carrying the thrown of Allah.

Ask yourself, what side are you standing on?

Allah (SWT) illustrates in surah Waqiah (56), the frightful scene on the Day of Judgment, and what will become of the Earth. After which, He (SWT) says that the people will be separated in to three groups. There will be those on the right, who will eventually being entering Paradise, and only Allah knows best as to how long they will be spending in Hellfire. With regard to those on the left, what will be their state? It will be as if their skin is hung from their bones like coats are hung on hooks, as they stare up at the awesome throne of Allah and dread what is about to become of them.

Then, there is that one group separated from the rest. Allah describes them as the sabiqoon, the foremost. They will be those who strove to be the foremost in this life, to be the foremost in the Hereafter, honored by being placed in the same ranks as the Prophets of Allah.

So, ask yourself, “which side are you on?”

The scholars define ihsan as the concept of performing an act in the best way possible, achieving peak performance.

We know we did our best when we know we’ve fulfilled each one of the characteristics of peak performance.

In the upcoming posts, I’ll be discussing each characteristic, individually.

Something to act upon: For you, what does it feel like to achieve peak performance? (Please, post your responses below so that others may benefit.)

Source: http://www.buildingmuslimleaders.com/

Peak Performance- Intro.

I begin in the name of Allah.

(Note: I will be interchangeably using “peak performance”, excellence, and ihsan.)

There are many ayaat of the Quran and ahadeeth of the Prophet (SAW) that refer to ihsan. I chose the following hadeeth, because it is the most explicit.

As narrated by Abu Ya’la Shaddad bin Aws (RA): He narrates the Messenger of Allah (SAW) as saying “Verily, Allah prescribed excellence in all things.”

Usually when excellence, or ihsan, is referred to, we assume that it is in regards to how we stand in salah, or some other religious act. However, the excellence that is required of us goes beyond the typical devotional acts that we do on a daily basis. In fact, excellence goes beyond any physical act, because an act that is considered to be excellent for one person may be a simple, or even lazy, effort for someone else. Rather, excellence is a mindset to be achieved as often as possible.

“Peak performances are those magic moments [when] it all [comes] together- both physically and mentally. The performance is exceptional, seemingly transcending ordinary levels… They are the ultimate high, the thrilling moment that [people] work for in their pursuit of excellence.” - Viki Crane and Jean Williams, sports psychologists


“Trying to articulate the zone is not easy because it’s such an indescribable feeling. That moment doesn’t happen often, and when it does happen, you feel like you’re playing out of your head! You aren’t feeling any tension or any pressure and physically your strokes are just flowing, every ball you hit is going in. Emotionally you’re really calm. There’s no strain involved. It’s a euphoric feeling. The feeling that whatever you touch turns to gold. Whatever you do, whatever decision you make on the court, whatever stroke or shot you try, you know it’s going to work.“- Chris Evert, Tennis Champion


In no way am I saying that these non-Muslims realized what ihsan is or achieved it. What I want you to recognize, however, is that they understood what it means to perform at the highest level.


In this series, I will be discussing the psychological aspects of building and retaining an attitude of excellence, by discussing the following topics:

• the importance of doing everything with ihsan
• high self-confidence
• total commitment
• strong performance focus
• coping well with stress
• coping well with distractions
• optimistic, positive attitude
• high personal standards
• well developed competitive plans
• control emotions and remaining appropriately activated
• viewing anxiety as beneficial
• setting performance goals

Something to act upon: Describe in detail one instance where you achieved peak performance. (Please, post your responses below so that others may benefit.)

Source: http://www.buildingmuslimleaders.com/

Microsoft summer Internship 2009

Today when i was checking any avilable internships in egypt to post it on my INTERNSHIP FACEBOOK GROUP and Internship temp BLOG. i saw that microsoft egypt receive resumes before end of february so it's a big opportunity to join such intern.

i remmber someone called rowaa and its post about MS internship i read its post again. i have some questions come to my mind
the answer were as follows:

> the technical assessment is based on ur CV mostly, while the assessment exam is based more on your personal skills

> which means don't expect to go to be asked wt's OOP

> instead, you will be put in a group & asked to make a presentation as a team work about bla bla bla

> they evaluate you as a person who has high communication & presentation skills..

> upon their measurments of how good you are in team work, communication skills, presentation skills , you get chosen

> upon your CV & technical skills, you go to the assesment exam..

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Thank you Roaa and Jazakom allahu khairan