THE ADVOCATE OF MODERATION

THE ADVOCATE OF MODERATION

99 I “Beware of going to extremes in the religion, for the only thing that destroyed those before you was extremism in religion, the Prophet warned. The Companions relate that he ordered them to adhere to a moderate path and not to make religion difficult, otherwise it would overcome them.² He taught moderation in religion, by advising his followers to practice the religion as much as they can bear and not to go into extremes.³

He also taught that excesses, be they in acts of worship or in personal dealings, are to be avoided. It is reported that he once said, “Stick to the actions you can bear, for God does not tire till you tire. Indeed, the most beloved actions in the sight of God are those that are the most consistent, even if they are little. “4

I Set forth by Aḥmad b. Hanbal in al-Musnad, 1:215 $1851. al-Nasā’ī in al-Sunan, 5:268 $3057. ² Set forth by al-Bukhārī in al-Ṣaḥīḥ, 1:23 S39. •al-Nasā’ī in al-Sunan, 8:122 $5034.

3 Set forth by al-Bukhārī in al-Ṣaḥīḥ, 5:2373 $6098. Ibn al-Ja’d in al-Musnad, 1:407 $2773.

4 Set forth by al-Bukhārī in al-Ṣaḥīḥ, 5:2201 $5523. Muslim in alṢaḥīḥ, 1:540 $782.