Moderation

In these days of Ramadan, we refrain from eating in daylight, instead eating at night. Some people indulge excessively in food and drink all night long, which is counterproductive to the lessons of Ramadan. It is not so we can learn to turn our schedules upside down, but to learn to control our desires so that we can lead a pious and balanced life.

In the context of Ramadan, the Quran says “God intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you.” (2:185) By behaving moderately after we break fast, we can benefit from the lessons of Ramadan throughout the year. Overall, Islam promotes a life of moderation and ease. God says in the Quran (2:143), “We have appointed you (Muslims) a moderate nation.” This general statement can be applied specifically to consumption, which, if we consider our actual needs, should be little.

The Quran says, “And eat and drink but do not waste; certainly He does not like the extravagant.” (7:31) Whether we cook at home or eat in restaurants, we should be moderate in consumption and avoid wasting food. So cook only what you will use, put on your plate only what you intend to eat, use leftovers for another meal, and ask for takeaway containers for leftover food at restaurants.

Moderation extends to other kinds of consumption as well, such as for clothes, perfumes, cars, phones, homes and vacations. The Quran sets the standard: “And those, who when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).” (25:67) By practicing moderation, we engage in an easy-going lifestyle. When we are stingy, we suffer unnecessary hardship, and when we are extravagant, we squander resources and usually end up broke by the end of the month or in serious debt.

All matters of life need moderation: in relationships, in work, in play, in spending, even in religion. Allah said in the Quran that “He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty” (22:78). That is not to say that if we shouldn’t strive to fulfill our obligations, even when they seem difficult, but that with the right attitude and approach, all the obligations are easy. For example, it is not difficult to wake up for dawn prayer if you go to bed well before midnight.

The basic requirements of faith are few, as outlined in the Quran: “And they were not commanded except to worship God, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give alms.

And that is the correct religion.” (98:5) Although we should strive to perfect our conduct, faith and attitudes, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us against extremism when he said, “Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of religion. Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of religion. Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of religion.” (Muslim) This is not an editorial error or typo - he actually repeated it three times.

Sometimes adhering to moderation feels like walking a tightrope, because it is easy to get off balance from the elements that push us in one direction or the other. But God offers us a handle by which we can remain on course: the Quran and the living example of His Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). With these handholds, we will safely reach our goals.

Courtesy of the TIES Center, whose mission is to empower Kuwait’s expats through social and educational services that promote a positive and productive role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and interfaith interactions that promote social solidarity. For more information, please call 25231015/6 or e-mail: info@tiescenter.net.