Moderation

We are strict monotheists believing in the one true God. We believe that He alone is the Creator of the universes and everything within and without. We also are convinced that His true word is the intact and complete Quran. (38:29, 39:2, 6:114-5) 

The word “fundamentalism” is regretfully misunderstood to mean those who are militant or fanatic in their views. “Extremist Muslims” are called fundamentalists. Fanaticism which means trying to impose your will on others physically or psychologically is forbidden in the Quran (2:256, 10:99). Such people (who resort to violence and aggression) are not truly “Muslims” (5:87, 22:72). Someone who follows the “fundamentals” of Submission (Islam) will be charitable, kind, truthful, humble and peacefully devoted to God alone (3:17, 14:35, 90:17, 52:26). If you are true to your belief (and this is between you and God) you are the true “fundamentalist”. 

What about “moderates”? Moderates are regretfully taken to be people who do not follow their religion too seriously. But the word simply means avoidance of any extremes—being tolerant, just and equitable, being temperate in conduct and expression.

Our very identity itself personifies the core values of moderation, not to aggress, offering peace to the ignorant, weighing with a correct balance and measure, etc. Our conduct is moderated both in personal matters and social matters. We should be aware of what moderation means and avoid the excesses. If we are ignorant of this our faith may be incomplete and mere lip service. 

[49:14-15] The Arabs said, “We are Mu’mens (believers).” Say, “You have not believed; what you should say is, ‘We are Muslims (submitters),’ until belief is established in your hearts.” If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Mu’mens (believers) are those who believe in GOD and His messenger, then attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. These are the truthful ones. 

Though we are frequently encouraged to spend in the cause of God, this is no place for extremes. Too much or too little has to be avoided, even in charity. [25:67] When they give, they are neither extravagant, nor stingy;  

they give in moderation. [2:219] …. They also ask you what to give to charity: say, “The excess.” GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect… [17:26-27] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant. The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord. 

Every aspect of creation is in balance as designed by God, even the stars and planets. [36:40] The sun is never to catch up with the moon―the night and the day never deviate―each of them is floating in its own orbit. [36:38-40] The sun sets into a specific location, according to the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient. The moon we designed to appear in stages, until it becomes like an old curved sheath. The sun is never to catch up with the moon―the night and the day never deviate―each of them is floating in its own orbit. 

We have to eat and drink in moderation and not waste anything. [7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately. Surely, He does not love the gluttons.

Cont'd on page 2