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account when discussing moderation, in
Islam, it is determined based on the Holy
Quran and the Sunnah.
Islam commands Muslims to be moderate
in practising the teachings of the religion.
The teachings of Islam, as outlined in the
Holy Quran and the Sunnah, advocate
moderation in life. Extremism is actually the
result of ignoring or going against the tenets
of the religion.
On the other hand, moderation in Islam
does not mean ignoring its commandments
such as praying (solat), fasting or wearing
the headscarf for women.
Moderation in Islam may be seen not only
in the context of worldly life but also life in
the Hereafter. Allah Almighty mentions this
point in the Holy Quran,
“And seek, with the (wealth) which Allah
has bestowed on you, the Home of the
Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this
world: but do you good, as Allah has been
good to you, and seek not (occasions for)
mischief in the land: for Allah loves not
those who do mischief.” (The Holy Quran
28: 77)
In order to understand moderation in Islam,
it is necessary to fully understand the Islamic
worldview and to understand the
philosophy behind the teachings and
practices. Some issues which require that
prior understanding are; Why do Muslims
fast? Why are Muslims required to cover
their aurat? Why is extra-marital sex
prohibited even with mutual consent?
It is also necessary to understand how the
ulama derive rulings from Al-Quran and As-
Sunnah. With an understanding of this
process, one will be able to ascertain the
extent and validity of their rulings. Without
it, extremist tendencies may develop.
On this basis, it can be seen that the
concept and meaning of moderation in Islam
overlaps significantly with that commonly
used, save for slight differences.
THE MEANING OF EXTREMISM
ACCORDING TO THE HOLY QURAN
& THE SUNNAH
Islam Prohibits Extremism
In essence, Islam guides towards
moderation, away from extremism. This can
be seen from the following arguments
(dalil);
1Allah commands that Muslims always
pray for the straight and righteous path.
Allah Almighty says:
“Show us the straight way, the way of those
on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,
not those whose (portion) is wrath, and not
those who go astray.” (The Holy Quran 1: 6 – 7)
This verse teaches the Muslim ummah to
distance themselves from two extreme
groups, namely the group that neglects the
teachings of the religion and the group that
is extreme in practising it. Muslims recite this
verse in every rakaat of every prayer. That
is the extent to which Islam reminds its
ummah to avoid extremism.
2Islam prohibits its ummah from being
extreme.
Allah Almighty says:
“These are the limits ordained by Allah;
so do not transgress them, if any do
transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such
persons do wrong (to themselves as well as
others).” (The Holy Quran 2: 229)
This verse forbids Muslims from
transgressing limits. It also alludes that
extremism goes against the teachings of
Islam.
Allah Almighty says:
“Do not commit excesses in your
religion.” (The Holy Quran 4: 171, 5: 77)
2
Cited by Abdul Rahman b.Mu‘alla Al-Luwaihiq, Al-Ghuluw Fi Ad-Din Fi Hayat Al-Muslimin Al-
Mu‘asirah, Muassasah Ar-Risalah, Beirut, 1992, pg. 65. See Sayid Qutb, Fi Zilal Al-Quran, Dar Asy-
Syuruq, Beirut, 1403H, chapter 4, pg. 1931.
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