A hadith and commentary.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him,
for even if you do not see Him, He sees you."
Commentary:
Imam al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
This is one of the concise, comprehensive statements granted to the Prophet, peace be upon him.
For if we were to imagine that one of us stood in worship
while witnessing his Lord, Glorified and Exalted is He,
he would not leave anything within his power regarding humility and submissiveness,
nor regarding proper demeanor and care to perfect it in the best possible manner,
without performing it.
Thus, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
"Worship Allah in all your states
as you would worship Him while witnessing Him."
For the perfection mentioned in the state of witnessing
is only due to the servant’s knowledge that Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, is watching him.
Therefore, the servant would not dare to be negligent in this state, knowing He is watching.
This meaning remains present even when the servant does not see Him,
so he ought to act in accordance with its requirements.
Thus, the intent of the statement
is to urge sincerity in worship,
and for the servant to be mindful of his Lord, Blessed and Exalted is He, in perfecting humility, submissiveness,
and all other aspects of worship.