The Path of Moderation Moderation which leads to balance, is a fundamental and distinguishing feature of Islam. Allah tells us: We have made you a nation justly balanced (2:143). Additionally, when the Quranic verse As to monasticism which they themselves invented, We did not prescribe any of it for them (57: 27) was revealed, the Prophet Muhammad commented: Do not overburden yourselves, lest you perish. People [before you] overburdened themselves and perished. Their remains are found in hermitages and monasteries (Musnad of Abu Yala). In other words, excesses may eventually develop into large problems and even become a threat to the well being and security of the Muslim community. Indeed, the Prophet always resisted any tendency towards religious excessiveness. He once said to his close Companion Abdullah ibn Amr: Have I heard tight that you fast everyday and stand in prayer all night? Abdullah replied, Yes, 0 Messenger of God: The Prophet said, Do not do that. Fast, as well as, eat and drink. Stand in prayer, as well as, sleep. This is because your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guest has a right upon you (Bukhari, Muslim). Abiding by the will of Allah requires that we seek and maintain a delicate balance between the various obligations that demand our attention; between our obligations to Allah, our obligations towards others and our obligations towards ourselves. Moreover, whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always chose the easier, unless it was explicitly forbidden (Bukhari)
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:40:09 +0000
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