All thanks and praises are due to Allah, our Creator, Educator and Sustainer through whose infinite fadl and karm it has been possible for us to publish the second issue of this humble publication. We seek our inspiration to do so from the noble example left behind for us by our illustrious forebears. They were not merely interested in having a superficial attachment to Islamic values. They strove to impart to us something of its inner beauty and grace.

We have committed ourselves through the medium of this publication to promote a better understanding of the Islamic concept of Ihsan. We fervently believe that in our present context this is a dimension of our beautiful Din which has been sorely neglected and for which the world is crying out so desperately. Our Din has been badly maligned by actions of Muslims themselves in the first instance. The world is searching earnestly for a way of life that speaks of compassion, mercy, tenderness and a humane way of dealing with people of all persuasions.

We sincerely believe that an Ihsani approach is the best suited model to remove those veils of misunderstanding, distrust and suspicion which seems to pervade between believers themselves and between people of different faiths. An Ihsani approach which recognizes our common humanity (fanafaha fihi mir ruhihi) is ideally placed for this dialogue as it affirms the one common denominator between all of us.

In recognition of the above mandate this issue of Islamic Horizons pursues four themes. The first three articles by Shaykh Mahdi Hendricks, Dr. Rafiq Khan and As Sayyid Shaykh Hazim Abu Ghazalah focuses on widening our understanding at a theoretical level of what Ihsan is all about. All the authors make reference to and base their reflections primarily upon our foundational sources of guidance.

The contributions by Imam Hassan Walele and Dr. Salie Abrahams look at how the individual can strive to align him- or herself closer to Allah and the path He wishes us to follow. Whilst the article on Rajab is an inspiration to seek closeness to Allah through worship (Ibadat), it is through knowledge and educational excellence (Ihsan) that Dr Abrahams sees a salvation for Muslims out of their present predicament.

In the next three articles we turn to the pages of Muslim history for examples of individuals who are celebrated for their understanding and implementation of Ihsan. Bashir Sacranie draws our attention to how relevant a proper understanding of the life and struggle of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (RA) is for us today. He ends off by challenging us to give a more concrete expression to our oft-stated love and veneration of this great Wali-Allah. Rafiq Khan finds a strong echo of the work of Khwaja Sahib in the efforts of Hazrat Maulana Abdul Latif Shah (RA), the founder of the Habibia Musjid, Madrassah and Khanqah at the Cape.

Muhammed Yaseen Khan, the youngest of our contributors, looks at the relevance of the message of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (RA) and his impact evens today, on promoting a path for humanity back to Allah. His message resonates with hope of the inspired words of Maulana guiding Muslims and Non Muslims towards creating a more compassionate , humane and peaceful society.

Following the path of Ihsan is however not an elitist, isolationist exercise. We live in a society that is marked by extreme social inequality. We cannot claim perfection in Ibadat whilst foregoing our social responsibility. The article by Fatima Nordien focuses on the role Muslims with their unique theological understanding about Compassion as an important Divine attribute, can play in bringing hope and comfort to the millions suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The way we deal with the other is always a litmus test of how far we are advanced spiritually, morally and ethically. Do we have what it takes to extend that definition of a common humanity to those with whom we differ? Fatima Khan explores in a thought-provoking article what our responsibility ought to be towards those who are refugees in our beloved country. The recent xenophobic violence which has destroyed many lives and caused great social upheaval makes her contribution a worthy reflection of finding a spirit of Ihsan in all our striving to create a more humane society. Awatif Daniels explores a similar theme in her article about the xenophobic violence but also critically analyses how our capitalist economy with the acquisitiveness it is known for, blunts our social conscience. The media, also under capitalist control often does not rise to its full responsibility of delving deeper into the root causes of our vast social inequalities.

We are extremely grateful to all our contributors for sharing with our readership some of the thoughts and reflections which they hold so close to their heart. It is Allah’s prerogative to bless any of us with wisdom; to whosoever Wisdom comes has received the best of gifts from Allah. (2; 269) May Allah Bless all our contributors and may they be the torch bearers for a better Ihsani understanding of our Din.

Dear reader, whatever benefits you gain from these pages is due to the Mercy and Generosity of Allah; whatever the faults therein is a reflection of our human weakness. We invite your contributions and criticisms. Remember us in your prayers.