[1] Reminders regarding sound (upright) moderation in all affairs

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَٰكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا

Thus We have made you [أُمَّةً وَسَطًا ].

[Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 143

[ٱلۡوُسۡطَ ] in the Shariah is that which is superior. Allah [The Most High] says: [حَـٰفِظُواْ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٲتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ – Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the Salatul Wustaa (the Asr prayer)]. [ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ]- Meaning, the best, most excellent. [a] The intent behind all this is to understand that [الوسطية] in the Religion is that which is best and the justice of the religion – adherence to that which Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has commanded and keep away from that which He has forbidden. [1]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated: The most beloved worship to Allah is that which is constant because the one who imposes on himself that which is beyond his ability (i.e. extra supererogatory acts of worship) which he may not be able to do, it is inevitable that his strength will disappear gradually, so he becomes weak or may even deviate because he imposed on himself that which is beyond what he can do (i.e. extra supererogatory acts of worship), deprive his (body) its rights, his family and others. (Salmaan) said to Abu Dardaa [may Allah be pleased with them], “Your Lord has rights on you, your self has a right on you, and your family has rights on you, so you should give the rights to all those who have a right on you” [b]

Abdullah Ibn Umar [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] used to fast constantly without a break and completed the recitation of the Qur’an every night, so Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] clarified for him and said, “It is enough for you to fast for three days a month”, so he said, “I can do more than that”. The Prophet said, “Your wife has a right on you, your guest has a right on you and your body has a right on you….so fast (in the manner that) Allah’s Prophet Dawud [peace be upon him] used to fast” [i.e. alternative days] [c] Therefore, balanced worship (i.e. related to extra optional acts of worship based on one’s ability and prevents one from neglecting the rights his wife, his body, his soul etc) preserves a person’s strength and enables him to be constant in worship. [2]

[a] Tafseer al-Baghawee

[1] An Excerpt from Al Haqeeqatus Shar-iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aanil Adheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyati page: 186.

[b] Al-Bukhaari 1968

[c] Al-Bukhaari 6134

[2] An Excerpt from, “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. page 242