By Imran Patel
From my research into Islam, it appears that moderation is placed in high regard, and that rules can be broken if the need is great.
Muhammad himself stated 'Do not overburden yourselves, lest you perish. People [before you] overburdened themselves and perished. Their remains are found in hermitages and monasteries'.
This article shall therefore list five ways in which Islam moderation makes sense for many people regardless of their faith.
1 - Muslims Can Eat Pork (in special situations)
It is well know that Muslims do not tend to eat pork, as it is regarded as a dirty animal. However, this isn't an absolute rule, and the rules of derogation state that Muslims may consume pork when given no alternative.
I once heard any interesting story about a group of young Muslims who wanted to test the laws of derogation. They had been good Muslims all their lives, and wanted to know what it would be like to be bad. So in a single night they drank, took drugs and ate pork sausages. However, they did not enjoy the experience and reverted to being good Muslims.
2 - Islam Asks Its Followers To Follow It In Moderation
The Quranic verse (57:27) states "As to monasticism which they themselves invented, we did not prescribe any of them."
So while Islam proscribes many guidelines for its followers' behaviour and actions, it also states that Muslims should not follow them with too much zeal. This recommendation can be applied to many other areas of life. For example, the attainment of a good work-life balance is a struggle for many people in the UK, due to the long hours that we endure.
3 - Islam Recommends Moderation In Spending
"Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just balance between those extremes....." (25: 67)
The Quran recommends moderate spending. There is no need for extravagance as it is unnecessary, wasteful and boastful. Humility as valued in Islam, as t3.17 states "humility in whatever degree Allah has raised you to." Also, person who is excessively extravagant would be able to better serve the world by helping others with the money.
However, Islam also advises against miserly behaviour. It can lead to unnecessary hardship, and those who do not share their wealth will find it harder to make friends and build business contacts.
4 - Islam Promotes Moderate Behaviour
'Alama Yusuf 'Ali, in his comments on these Quranic verses, says: "In all things be moderate. Do not go the pace, and do not be stationary or slow. Do not be talkative and do not be silent. Do not be loud and do not be timid or half-hearted. Do not be too confident, and do not be cowed down."
This can be very hard to follow. As some people are naturally quiet, while others are load and arrogant. Those who are too shy will often fail to achieve all that they are capable of. While those who are too arrogant will upset others.
One interesting facet that I've learned from my Muslim friends is that they are not allowed to self-righteously preach their religion, and when making Zakat donations must do so humbly, often making no attempt to draw attention to themselves. These humble acts are often more inspiring to others, than the loud ranting exhortations by the self-righteous.
Interestingly, this moderate religious zeal is also shared by Christianity. Many Christians believe that when Jesus returns, he will be there for the outcast members of society such as the homeless, drug addicts and prostitutes. Those who are worthy and attend Church every Sunday will have no extra need of his help.
Concluding Words
This article has discussed four ways in which Islam promotes moderate behaviour. Please note that the author is merely a novice student of the religion, and that you can find many more in depth articles scattered around the internet.
Muhammad himself stated 'Do not overburden yourselves, lest you perish. People [before you] overburdened themselves and perished. Their remains are found in hermitages and monasteries'.
This article shall therefore list five ways in which Islam moderation makes sense for many people regardless of their faith.
1 - Muslims Can Eat Pork (in special situations)
It is well know that Muslims do not tend to eat pork, as it is regarded as a dirty animal. However, this isn't an absolute rule, and the rules of derogation state that Muslims may consume pork when given no alternative.
I once heard any interesting story about a group of young Muslims who wanted to test the laws of derogation. They had been good Muslims all their lives, and wanted to know what it would be like to be bad. So in a single night they drank, took drugs and ate pork sausages. However, they did not enjoy the experience and reverted to being good Muslims.
2 - Islam Asks Its Followers To Follow It In Moderation
The Quranic verse (57:27) states "As to monasticism which they themselves invented, we did not prescribe any of them."
So while Islam proscribes many guidelines for its followers' behaviour and actions, it also states that Muslims should not follow them with too much zeal. This recommendation can be applied to many other areas of life. For example, the attainment of a good work-life balance is a struggle for many people in the UK, due to the long hours that we endure.
3 - Islam Recommends Moderation In Spending
"Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just balance between those extremes....." (25: 67)
The Quran recommends moderate spending. There is no need for extravagance as it is unnecessary, wasteful and boastful. Humility as valued in Islam, as t3.17 states "humility in whatever degree Allah has raised you to." Also, person who is excessively extravagant would be able to better serve the world by helping others with the money.
However, Islam also advises against miserly behaviour. It can lead to unnecessary hardship, and those who do not share their wealth will find it harder to make friends and build business contacts.
4 - Islam Promotes Moderate Behaviour
'Alama Yusuf 'Ali, in his comments on these Quranic verses, says: "In all things be moderate. Do not go the pace, and do not be stationary or slow. Do not be talkative and do not be silent. Do not be loud and do not be timid or half-hearted. Do not be too confident, and do not be cowed down."
This can be very hard to follow. As some people are naturally quiet, while others are load and arrogant. Those who are too shy will often fail to achieve all that they are capable of. While those who are too arrogant will upset others.
One interesting facet that I've learned from my Muslim friends is that they are not allowed to self-righteously preach their religion, and when making Zakat donations must do so humbly, often making no attempt to draw attention to themselves. These humble acts are often more inspiring to others, than the loud ranting exhortations by the self-righteous.
Interestingly, this moderate religious zeal is also shared by Christianity. Many Christians believe that when Jesus returns, he will be there for the outcast members of society such as the homeless, drug addicts and prostitutes. Those who are worthy and attend Church every Sunday will have no extra need of his help.
Concluding Words
This article has discussed four ways in which Islam promotes moderate behaviour. Please note that the author is merely a novice student of the religion, and that you can find many more in depth articles scattered around the internet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Imran_Patel
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