Both terms taken together show that Islam refers to outward practices, whereas iman (faith) relates to inward convictions, in line with the Prophet’s saying: “Islam is manifest, while iman is in the heart.” When the two words are mentioned side-by-side, each carries its own precise meaning; but when either one appears alone, it automatically includes the other. Thus, if iman is cited by itself it subsumes Islam, and if Islam is cited by itself it subsumes iman, for neither Islam without iman nor iman without Islam is valid—the two are inseparable. Hence the scholars state that Islam and iman belong to the class of paired terms which “separate when combined and combine when separate,” meaning that each enters into the other because they are mutually dependent and cannot be detached. Accordingly, the questioner sought clarification on both outward and inward deeds, and the Prophet ﷺ explained to him the pillars of Islam and those of iman. [52] He then asked, “Tell me about ihsan.” The Prophet replied, “It is to worship Allah…” As noted earlier, the muhsin (one who excels) is the person who worships Allah with the heart’s vision and certainty, as though he actually sees Him.