The Balance & Moderation in Islam

[New Introudction & Selection from Original Lecture by Shaykh Rabee' (hafidahullah)]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise due to Allaah, may Allaah’s praise and salutations be upon the Messenger of Allaah, and upon his family, his Comapnions, and all those who follow his guidance.

As for what follows: Oh my Salafee brothers, indeed we worship Allaah with balance and moderation in each and every matter – in beliefs, worship, issues of character, and in aspects of our methodology. We have fought against extremism, and continue to strive against it in every shape and form, whether in beliefs, worship, or what occurs towards individuals. As such, it is from injustice and deception that we could be accused of it by those individuals who themselves do not have any role nor any statements put forth in combating against it.

We struggle against both undue harshness as well as laxity in the principles and practice of the religion I every form – whether it is in beliefs, worship, matters of character, towards individuals, or in relation to groups or organizations. And we shall continue to strive against it. So it is surely from injustice and deception that we are accused of it.

We stand upon all of this – acting with balance and moderation and striving against anything that leads to a deficiency in that – as this is what comes forth from the Book of Allaah, the Most High and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah, may Allaah’s praise and salutations be upon him, and from the way of the first three righteous generations. It is to this way we constantly call and which we strive to cultivate the people upon. Such that anyone who attributes to us anything other than this methodology we have described has lied and slandered us with a tremendously false claim.

As the criterion for determining what is moderation, or extremism, or what is undue harshness, or laxity in the principles and practice of the religion – is the Book of Allaah, the Most High, itself, the Sunnah of His Messenger, may Allaah’s praise and salutations be upon him, and the way of the first three generations of Islaam, and not the “understandings” of the people of desires nor their corrupt devised methodologies which are directly linked to achieving worldly benefits.

We have been tested in these recent days by those who accuse those sincere ones upon the methodology of the Salaf with extremism and harshness in the criticism and commendation of individuals as well as in the other matters; they fight against them with the strongest of efforts, while they leave secure the people of innovation in the religion and desires – considering them to be upon that which is commendable and praising them. Such accusers have combined between two faults – that of laxity in the principles and practice of the religion in relation to the people of innovation, and a destructive extremism shown in their struggle against the people upon the Sunnah and the truth.

So we say to these, “We trusly feel sorry for you because you are not from those who comprehend the methodology of the first generations nor are you from those who are pleased and satisfied with it.” They are occupied with the transient benefits of this world and seeking the approval and satisfaction of their associates without truly being concerned for the pleasure of Allaah, or on the other hand, that which He is displeased with! They are not concerned about the contradiction between their understanding and what the first generations actually proceeded upon!

What pleases or displeases such an individual is whatever or whoever catches his fancy from the people of worldly concerns or wealth! This is something that is very well known and clearly experienced whenever some of the people attempt to conceal their true state and deceive others, whenever they present a false perception regarding themselves droning on with expressions of self-praise and assertions of their standing.

Due to this I counsel all the sincere Salafees to have steadfastness upon the truth and patience regarding what they suffer from the hands of the people of desires. And I advise them to engage in calling to Allaah, the Exalted, with wisdom and a good reminder.

A detailed discussion of what is truly considered the positions or methods of extremism, as well as those of moderation, will be found within this small book, building upon what I have mentioned generally within this brief introduction. I ask Allaah to make it something which benefits Islaam and the Muslims. May Allaah’s praise and salutations be upon Muhammad and his family.

This introduction was written in the noble city of Makkah on the

23rd day of Muharram, in the year 1430 (2/1/08)

of the emigration of the Chosen Messenger,

may Allaah’s praise and salutations

be upon him.