Part 3
By Khyber Jalal
Allah Almighty refers to the Muslim Ummah as a “middle nation” and praises it as the finest community ever raised upon the earth. This nation is distinguished by the foundational principle that governs every facet of its life, namely moderation, balance, and commitment to the middle path. For this reason, it is regarded as a model community for all humankind:
﴿كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ﴾
“You are the best Ummah brought forth for (the benefit of) mankind.”
From the guidance and teachings of the Noble Qur’an, it becomes evident that the Islamic Ummah, superior in belief and practice and shaped by the Qur’an, is a balanced, temperate, and moderate community. It neither slips into excess nor falls into neglect. Instead, it embraces moderation in speech, actions, economic life, food, worship, and social conduct, carefully avoiding extremism or laxity in any form.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and the Principle of Moderation
Three men once visited the home of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to inquire about his devotional practices. After learning about his noble worship, they deemed it insufficient for themselves and said: “What comparison do we have with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), whose past and future sins have already been forgiven?”
One of them declared, “I will spend every night of my life in continuous prayer.” The second said, “I will fast every day for the rest of my life.” The third said, “I will renounce women entirely, and I will never marry.”
When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) heard of this, he addressed them and said:
«أنتم الذين قلتم كذا وكذا؟ أما والله إني لأخشاكم لله وأتقاكم له، ولكني أصوم وأفطر، وأصلي وأرقد، وأتزوّج النساء؛ فمن رغب عن سنتي فليس مني.»
“Are you the ones who said such things? By Allah, I am the one who fears Allah the most and am the most mindful of Him among you. Yet I fast and I break my fast, I pray and I sleep, and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my Sunnah (way of life) is not from me.”
In another instance, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) guided his companions toward moderation in conduct:
قال رسول الله صلیاللهعلیهوسلم: يا أبابكر! ارفع من صوتك شيئًا»، وقال لعمر: «اخفض من صوتك شيئًا»، وهذا يدل على أن الإفراط والتفريط غير محمود، بل خير الأمور أوسطها؛
He said to Abu Bakr (RA), “Raise your voice a little,” and to Umar (RA), “Lower your voice a little.” This illustrates that both excess and deficiency are undesirable; the best course in every matter lies in the middle path.
Moderation and avoiding extremes, whether by overstepping limits or by falling short, is a foundational principle for human guidance, effective management of affairs, and the establishment of social order. The Noble Qur’an even advises the Prophets toward balance. Throughout his blessed life, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) observed moderation both in devotion and in worldly responsibilities.
Thus, it is incumbent upon the Muslim Ummah to adorn itself with this noble principle. For there are some among the Muslims who, in their zeal to implement the Shari’ah, fall into excess and eventually deviate from the straight and balanced path.