Part 9
By Khyber Jalal
Moderation in Dealing with People and Social Relations
One of the greatest qualities of Islam is that it teaches moderation and balance in social life and in the way people deal with one another. Islam neither approves of complete isolation, where a person withdraws from society in the name of worship and spends life in seclusion, nor does it accept unchecked social mixing that leads to the neglect of Islamic values and obligations. Instead, it calls on Muslims to build their relationships on balance, wisdom, responsibility, and good character. Islam favors moderation in every aspect of life. Social interaction is no exception.
A Muslim is instructed to follow the middle path, neither cutting himself off from people altogether nor becoming so absorbed in worldly social activities that he forgets his Lord and neglects His right to be worshipped.
Complete isolation distances a person from his responsibilities toward society. It causes him to neglect the duty of enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and fulfilling the obligations he owes to others. At the same time, moderation in social life requires a person to divide his time wisely between the worship of Allah Almighty and serving the community.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also encouraged Muslims to practice moderation, gentleness, good manners, and to avoid harshness. He said:
«إِنَّ الرِّفْقَ لَا يَكُونُ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا زَانَهُ، وَلَا يُنْزَعُ مِنْ شَيْءٍ إِلَّا شَانَهُ.»
[مسلم، حدیث: 2594]
“Verily, gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it disfigures it.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2594]
Islam teaches Muslims to deal with their families, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and every member of society with moderation. A Muslim should not be so harsh that people are driven away from him, nor so careless that he loses his dignity, self-respect, and standing. Moderation in social relations means remaining firm upon one’s principles and values while treating others with respect, patience, and good character. A society whose people deal with one another in a spirit of moderation, mutual respect, and good character is spared many disputes, grudges, and divisions. That is why good conduct and balance in dealing with others are among the strongest foundations for building lasting relationships and strengthening love and unity within society.
That is why Islam calls Muslims to the path of moderation in social life and in their dealings with others. It calls them to conduct themselves with wisdom, justice, mercy, and good character, because this approach lays the foundation for personal peace, social well-being, and the development of a healthy, united, and strong society.
