What are the signs of Ihsan, how can it be attained, and does it have conditions?

Ihsan (benevolence/excellence) is the offering of all benefits to any creature whatsoever. It is of two types: 1. Obligatory Ihsan: This includes ihsan in the worship of the Creator (worshipping Allah as if you see Him) and ihsan in the rights of creation (honoring parents, maintaining kinship ties, fairness in dealings, ihsan towards family, neighbors, the poor, the needy, and animals). 2. Recommended Ihsan: This is anything beyond the obligatory in offering physical, financial, or intellectual benefit, guiding to good, and bringing joy to people.

Signs of the Station of Ihsan: Steadfastness in obeying Allah outwardly and inwardly, perfecting worship, finding solace in the remembrance of Allah, offering gratitude for His blessings, and, with creation, being benevolent, refraining from harm, offering sincere advice, and abandoning what does not concern one.

Attaining the Rank of Ihsan: This is achieved by being truly shy before Allah (by guarding one's head and stomach, remembering death, and forsaking the adornments of this world), and by drawing closer to Allah through obligatory acts, then through supererogatory acts. This leads to Allah's love for the servant, so the servant's heart becomes filled with the knowledge, love, and fear of Allah, and he comes to worship Allah as if he sees Him.