Extremism, Laxity and Moderation in Islam
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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Islam is a religion of balance, justice and moderation. It does not approve of religious extremism, nor does it encourage negligence and laxity in fulfilling Allah’s commands.
Allah describes the Muslim Ummah as “a justly balanced community” (Ummatan Wasatan) in Qur’an 2:143, indicating the importance of justice, balance and uprightness in the life of a believer.
Moderation, however, does not mean compromising Islamic principles or choosing a convenient religion; rather, it means adhering firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah without exaggeration, injustice or neglect.
Extremism in Islam occurs when a person goes beyond the limits established by Allah and His Messenger (pbuh), whether through excessive religious practices, harshness towards others, declaring matters unlawful without evidence or adopting attitudes that contradict the mercy and wisdom of Islam.
Allah warns: “Do not exceed the limits in your religion beyond the truth” (Qur’an 5:77). The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also warned against excessive strictness in religion. He said: “Religion is very easy, and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists…” (Sahih al-Bukhari 39).
This demonstrates that sincere devotion must be accompanied by wisdom, knowledge and adherence to the Prophetic method.
On the other hand, laxity is also dangerous because it involves neglecting obligations, taking sins lightly and allowing worldly desires to weaken one’s commitment to Islam.
A Muslim should not use the concept of moderation as an excuse to abandon prayer, disregard halal and haram, neglect moral responsibilities or treat the commands of Allah casually.
The Qur’an describes those who approach prayer lazily as a blameworthy characteristic (Qur’an 4:142). Therefore, moderation does not mean being halfway between obedience and disobedience. True moderation means being steadfast in what Allah has made obligatory while avoiding unnecessary excess in matters of religion and worldly life.
The Qur’an repeatedly teaches believers to avoid excess. Allah says: “Eat and drink but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Qur’an 7:31).
The same principle extends beyond food and material possessions to our speech, conduct, worship and relationships with others. The Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated this balanced approach in his own life. He encouraged worship, but he also recognized the rights of the body, family and society.
His teaching in Sahih al-Bukhari 39: “Try to be near to perfection” while maintaining strength through regular worship, shows that sustainable righteousness is better than an unsustainable burst of excessive devotion.
Every Muslim should therefore strive to walk the straight and balanced path: firm upon truth without extremism and committed to worship without negligence. We should learn our religion from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, seek knowledge from trustworthy scholars, avoid judging others hastily and remember that Allah has commanded justice and rejected transgression.
Extremism can distort the beauty and mercy of Islam, while laxity can gradually weaken faith and obedience. The ideal believer is one who combines knowledge with wisdom, worship with balance, firmness with mercy and devotion with good character.
May Allah guide us to the Wasatiyyah (the balanced and upright path) and protect us from both religious excess and spiritual negligence. Ameen.
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NB: l borrowed this headline from Hajia A’isha Lemu of blessed memory’s book titled: Extremism, Laxity and Moderation in Islam. May Allah rewards her abundantly, Amin.
