The Concept of Moderation in Islam
The word “Moderation” generally means “to avoid the extreme” in every matter. The action of just avoiding the excessiveness does not convey the exact implication of this term, as it could be taken in the context of both good and bad. For example, we normally take telling lies while joking as appropriate whereas we consider it only wrong being in serious conversation.
The true gist of keeping balance in one`s life in the light of Islamic principles is a lot whole different than the common perspective. Speaking falsehood is forbidden altogether, whether one verbalizes it seriously or jokingly.In the same way, everything which surpasses the threshold of morality needs to be avoided having the faith in the religion of peace. Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran:
In the above mentioned Ayah, the Almighty Lord has characterized us as the just community, which means that moderation should be seen in all of our acts.
Moderation in belongings
There is a common misconception that Islam is a strict religion and is against modernity. While in fact, it never opposes having possessions which benefit a man and the whole society. Had it been against the usage of such property, our Holy Prophet (PBUH) would not use a horse for travelling. As, a horse used to be the best mode of journey in that time, same way a person can use the one of supreme object for its ease in this day and age. The verity of the subject is to keep the right level of equilibrium between one`s needs and wants.
One must not become too much indulged in the materialistic world that it forgets the remembrance of God and its other religious and moral responsibilities. That is why Zakah (charity) has been made obligatory to perform so that the love of worldly possessions could be moderated through it.
Moderation in worship
Although one must strictly fulfill its spiritual duties like offering prayers five times a day to get closer to the Almighty, fasting for sake of pleasing the Lord, performing Hajj etc. but one is also excused not to complete such acts being in a state of some difficulty. Allah SWT tells us in Furqan e Hameed:
It means that if someone has some problem and cannot accomplish the actually required level of cleanliness due to some unavoidable circumstances, there is no compulsion in this matter, and one can do as much as it can, as intentions decide the outcome of the deeds. Moreover, God, the Exalted says that He does not want to create any kind of complexity for us, rather He wishes only what is good for us. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of the Faith.” He repeated this three times. (Muslim)
This Hadith could be taken as a criticism over so called Sufis and Mullas of the present time, who portray the religion of peace as austere model to pursue, and misguide many of the Muslims, by wrong interpretation of the religious teachings. In short, the fact of the matter is that in Islam, there is no room for strictness in matters, and one can adopt as much moderation in carrying out religious action as required by it.
Moderation in dealing with others
The idea of temperance is so wide spread that it could be applied in almost every matter concerning one`s life. But, in Islam, there is even more emphasis on one`s obligations towards others by adopting pleasant and modest behavior with them. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) acted as a role model in every aspect of life, and was always at the top of good manners while dealing with others. Allah SWT describes His (PBUH) mannerism in the Holy Quran as:
This verse rightly explains the great importance of one`s judicious conduct with people, as it has been quoted in the form of inspirational behavior of the Messenger (PBUH) of God with others, due to which they were drawn towards the word of righteousness. A`ishah (R.A) narrated Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) having said:
“Gentleness does not enter anything except that it beautifies it and harshness does not enter anything except that it disfigures it.” (Muslim)
It means that no matter how much a person feels disgust towards other person, it should always keep a sensible posture and never talk any kind of extreme words of harshness.
In short, the concept of moderation in Islam binds one to adopt sense of balance in every action, whether it is religious or social, individual or collective. May Allah SWT give us the will and desire to understand and take up this golden principle, which is the key to success in this world and hereafter! Aameen!