On The Importance Of Moderation

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 January 20 One of the most common sayings in Japan is 'Hara Hachi Bu,' which is repeated before or after eating and means something like 'Fill your belly to 80 percent.' This principle of moderation not only reflects wisdom in dietary habits, but also symbolizes a broader philosophy of moderation in life. It teaches mindfulness, encouraging individuals to be in tune with their body's needs rather than succumbing to excess. The ethos of 'Hara Hachi Bu' illustrates the interconnectedness of health, wellness, and the pursuit of Ikigai, highlighting that a conscious approach to consumption can lead to greater overall satisfaction and longevity. By the way, according to the Japanese, everyone has an Ikigai—what a French philosopher might call a raison d’être. Some people have found their Ikigai, while others are still looking, though they carry it within them. For many, criticizing and condescending might be an Ikigai strong enough to keep them alive. It's their Zehani Ghiza (mental nourishment!) to maintain the celerity of mind. Rumi says in Ottoman Turkish, "Hayatının Bir Amacını Bul Ve Ona Göre Hareket Et" (Find a purpose of your life and then act upon it; it's one of his only nine surviving statements in pre-medieval Turkish often translated from Pahlavi). Coming back to moderation, it's the key to a successful existence. We call it اعتدال (E'tidaal) in Urdu. The problem with all humans is that we tend to cross the limits in whatever we do. Moderation is a great virtue in Islam. The concept and virtue of moderation in Islam can be traced back to the Quran, where Allah says: وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا “And it is thus that We appointed you to be the community of the middle way so that you might be witnesses to all humankind and the Messenger might be a witness to you…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:143) But moderation comes only after one learns how to balance things in life. To quote, Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri, "Har Saaz Se Hoti Nahin Ye Dhun Paida/ Hota Hai Bade Jatan Se Ye Gun Paida/ Meezaan-e-Nishaat-O-Gham Mein Sadiyon Tul Kar/ Hota Hai Hayaat Mein Tavazun Paida" (Not every instrument elicits this tune/ This quality comes only after rigorous practice and endeavours/ Tottering on the scale of happiness and sorrow for centuries/ Life develops a state of perfect balance). Remember, "Zindagi Mein Tavazun-O-E' Tidaal Ki Aamezish Ho Toh Insaan Khud-Ba-Khud Saleeqa Seekh Jaata Hai" (The right blend of moderation and balance creates good manners). ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/importance-moderation-eitedal/d/134452 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism