Honorable Muslims!
In the verse I have recited, Allah the Almighty (swt) states as follows: "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters."[1]
In the hadith I have read, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) says, "O people! You should observe moderation!"[2]
Dear Believers!
Islam is the religion of temperance. It orders us to be restrained and balanced in all spheres of life. It advises us to avoid extremes, to remain firm on the true path, and to behave with common sense and consistently.
Dear Muslims!
People will be happy as long as they are able to maintain the balance between matter and meaning, body and soul, and life in this world and life in the Hereafter. Peace and tranquility can prevail on earth only through the maintenance of the divine equilibrium. Going to extremes in shopping, entertainment, eating, drinking, dressing, speaking and writing, and even in religious matters will inflict harm both on the individuals and on the society.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
What befits us as Muslims is to emulate in our life the perfect balance Allah (swt) has embroidered in every bit of the universe. To hold on to the middle path without ifrad and tafrid (extremes on both sides of the equilibrium)... To never lose balance in sorrow and joy, or anger and happiness...To heed Prophet Muhammad's (saw) advice that reads "Do not go to extremes; hold on to the straight path; and rejoice for the reward you will get in return for doing so."[3]
How happy are those who lead a life in moderation as commanded by our Lord (swt)! And who avoid extremes and remain firm on the straight path!
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[1] Qasas, 28/77.
[2] Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 28.
[3] Bukhari, Iman, 29.
General Directorate of Religious Services