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A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.

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Between justice ('adl) and excellence (ihsan).

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Justice is the fulfillment of rights in their entirety and completeness.

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Whether these rights are owed to Allah, to one’s own self, or to the rest of creation.

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This is the baseline obligation required of those accountable.

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As for excellence, it is a virtue and a degree that exceeds justice.

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Excellence in the worship of Allah is to worship Him as if you see Him.

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For if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.

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As stated in the hadith of Jibril.

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Excellence toward others is to benefit them beyond what is strictly required or due.

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Thus, justice is a duty, while excellence is a virtue.

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This is why Allah combined them in His command, saying:

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“Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.” (16:90)

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Encouraging people to ascend from the station of obligation to the station of virtue.

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Therefore, a person is encouraged to be lenient regarding some of their own rights.

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Especially with relatives.

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As a means of fostering affection in hearts and healing the resentment in breasts.

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Excellence is generally recommended in all matters.

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And specifically with relatives.

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At the forefront of whom are one's parents.

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Then children, brothers, and sisters.

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The call to excellence is emphasized in three matters.

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First:

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Supplicating to Allah the Exalted to treat us with His grace and excellence, not merely His justice.

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For if Allah were to treat creation according to the requirements of His justice,

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All people would perish.

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Since their worship of Him does not fulfill the right of gratitude for His blessings, nor even a fraction of it.

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Second:

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Excellence toward parents.

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For Allah the Exalted commanded it toward them, not merely justice.

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And He coupled this with the command to worship Him alone.

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Which indicates the gravity of this matter.

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Allah the Exalted said:

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“Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word.” (17:23)

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Third:

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Excellence in the marital relationship.

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Where the interaction between spouses is based on good companionship, not merely justice.

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For if the spouses were to deal with each other only by justice without grace,

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And both were stingy with excellence,

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Each would harbor resentment toward the other.

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And the relationship between them would likely become impossible.

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This is due to the intensity of their constant interaction and intimacy.

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Which necessitates leniency and tolerance in many minor, recurring matters.

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Allah the Exalted said:

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“It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).” (2:187)

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This brings about affection, tranquility, and mercy.

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Through overlooking faults, feigning ignorance of minor issues, and mutual forgiveness.

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Allah the Exalted said:

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“And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmeets from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.” (30:21)

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“And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmeets from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.” (30:21)