Quranic Vision of a Middle Community

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 15 January 2024 The Quran envisions a "middle community" (Ummah Wasat) in its declaration in Quran 2:143: “Thus We have made you a middle community, that you may be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger a witness over you.” This verse encapsulates the essence of moderation, balance, and justice that the Quran advocates for Muslims as a collective. The term “middle community” reflects a call to moral and ethical equilibrium, like a ship navigating safely between the rocky shores of excess and the whirlpools of neglect. This essay explores the attributes of a middle community as expounded in the Quran, highlighting the principles of justice, forgiveness, patience, and compassionate engagement with humanity. The Middle Path: A Hallmark of the Muslim Community The Quran describes the Muslim community as a "middle community" (Ummatun Muqtaṣidatun), following a balanced and moderate approach in all aspects of life (Q. 2:143). This concept of moderation is a recurring theme in the Quran, emphasizing the importance of balance and avoiding extremes. Walking the middle path is akin to threading a needle—requiring precision, focus, and steadiness of hand. By adhering to this path, Muslims serve as witnesses to the truth, working to create a just and harmonious society. The middle path is characterized by balance, moderation, straightforwardness, and witnessing. It involves avoiding extremes and finding a middle ground in thought, action, and ethics. The Quran asserts that the Muslim community will collectively serve as witnesses over earlier communities and all of humanity, while Muhammad will be a witness over the Muslims (Q. 2:143, 22:78). The Prophet Muhammad serves as both a bearer of glad tidings, offering an oasis of hope in the desert of despair, and a warner, cautioning against disobedience to God’s commandments. This dual role is shared by all prophets (Q. 2:213; 4:165; 6:48; 18:56). The Quran's emphasis on moderation aligns it with what is good and proper. The Muslim community is encouraged to follow a middle course, avoiding extremes and seeking balance in all aspects of life. By doing so, Muslims can embody the characteristics of a middle community and fulfill their role as witnesses to the truth. Restrain Anger and Pardon People The Quran emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and extending forgiveness, as seen in 3:133-134: “Those who spend in prosperity and adversity, who restrain anger, and who pardon people—and God loves the doers of good.” Similarly, Q.24:22 advises believers to pardon and overlook others' faults: “Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for God to forgive you? God is Forgiving and Merciful.” By embodying these qualities, the middle community demonstrates the profound moral strength to rise above personal grievances, like eagles soaring beyond stormy clouds, and nurture reconciliation. Remain Patient in Adversity Patience in the face of hardship is a defining characteristic of the middle community. Q.3:186 reminds believers: “You will surely be tested in your possessions and yourselves, and you will hear much abuse from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with God. But if you are patient and fear God—indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.” Patience fosters resilience, enabling the community to endure trials with the fortitude of a mountain standing firm against relentless winds. Stand Firmly for Justice Justice is a cornerstone of the Quranic vision of a middle community. Q.4:135 commands: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for God, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” Justice transcends personal biases, ensuring fairness and equity in all interactions. To stand for justice is to plant one’s feet firmly in the shifting sands of societal pressures, never wavering in the face of adversity. Do Not Let Hatred Swerve You From Justice Even in the face of animosity, the Quran instructs believers to uphold justice. Q.5:8 states: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” This principle reflects the Quran’s emphasis on ethical integrity, requiring the community to act justly regardless of circumstances. Justice, in this light, becomes a compass pointing unwaveringly to righteousness, even amid turbulent seas. Respect the Sanctity of Life Respecting the sanctity of life is fundamental to the ethos of the middle community. Q.5:32 declares: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” This underscores the Quran’s commitment to the preservation of life and the condemnation of unjust violence. Every life, like a delicate candle, holds the power to illuminate the darkness around it. Turn Away from Those Who Mock Islam The Quran advises believers to avoid confrontational engagements with those who mock their faith. Q.6:68 and 28:55 guide the middle community to disengage respectfully: “And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation…” and “And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, ‘For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.’” Turning away from mockery is like stepping out of a storm to preserve one’s peace, letting the winds of discord pass without unsettling the soul. Hold to Forgiveness, Command What is Right, and Turn Away from the Ignorant Q.7:199 provides a concise ethical framework: “Hold to forgiveness, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.” These principles encourage a posture of humility, constructive guidance, and avoidance of futile disputes. Forgiveness acts as a balm for the wounds of discord, while commanding what is right becomes a lighthouse guiding others away from the reefs of moral failure. Restrain Rash Responses In moments of conflict or provocation, the Quran calls for measured responses. Q.16:125-128 advises: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best… And be patient, for indeed, God is with the patient.” This approach highlights the importance of dialogue and forbearance in fostering understanding. Responding with wisdom is akin to watering a wilting plant—it nurtures growth and restores vitality, even in hostile conditions. Pass By Worthless Talk with Dignity The Quran encourages believers to maintain dignity and avoid engaging in meaningless discourse. Q.25:72 describes the righteous as those who “when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity.” Passing by ill speech is like walking through a thorny path unscathed, choosing not to be ensnared by the barbs of unproductive words. This behaviour exemplifies the refinement and composure of a middle community. Repel Evil with Good One of the most transformative principles of the Quranic vision is the directive to counter evil with good. Q.41:34 asserts: “And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” This teaching is like using water to extinguish fire—the coolness of good deeds can douse the flames of hatred and transform enemies into allies. Ar-Razi's Perspective on the Middle Community The renowned Islamic scholar, Ar-Razi (1149- 1209 CE), offers insightful commentary on the concept of the middle community (Ummatun Muqtaṣidatun) in his exegesis of Q.2:143. According to Ar-Razi, the term "middle" (Wasat) signifies the optimal point between two extremes, where balance and moderation are achieved. Ar-Razi emphasizes that excess and extravagance are destructive forces that can lead individuals and communities astray. In contrast, moderation in character enables individuals to distance themselves from these extremes, cultivating justice and virtue. As Ar-Razi succinctly puts it, “The middle (Wasat) in reality is the furthest point between two extremes… to be moderate in character is to be furthest from them, which is to be just and virtuous.” (al-Tafsīr al-Kabīr, 2:14) Verses 2:143, 3:110, and 22:78 collectively assign a crucial responsibility to the Muslim community: inviting others to goodness, advocating virtue, and deterring vice. This duty is not limited to individual Muslims but is a collective obligation, emphasizing the importance of a united and harmonious community. Ar-Razi’s analogy paints the middle community as a scale, perfectly balanced, measuring each action and interaction with justice and virtue. Embodying the Principles of a Middle Community The Quranic vision of a middle community calls for a balanced, ethical, and compassionate approach to life. By embodying the principles of justice, patience, forgiveness, and constructive engagement, Muslims are tasked with serving as exemplary witnesses to humanity. Like the North Star guiding lost travellers, the middle community provides a moral compass for a world in flux. This divine mandate not only defines the moral character of the community but also establishes a framework for peaceful coexistence and universal harmony. As a beacon of moderation and righteousness, the middle community plays a vital role in promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse groups. By adhering to the principles outlined in the Quran, Muslims can foster a culture of mutual respect, empathy, and kindness, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and just world. Through their commitment to justice, compassion, and moderation, Muslims can fulfil their duty as a middle community, serving as a shining example for humanity. As Ar-Razi’s commentary on Q.2:143 reminds us, the middle path is not merely a road to walk but a bridge connecting human diversity to divine unity. By embracing this vision, Muslims can create a brighter future, where diversity is celebrated, and humanity is united in its pursuit of peace, justice, and righteousness. ----- V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/quranic-vision-middle-community/d/134337 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