The Middle Path: Islamic Answer to Extremism—Part 2

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 19 June 2025 This part highlights how Islam counters extremism through Wasatiyyah—the principle of moderation. Rooted in the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings, this balanced approach emphasizes compassion, practicality, and spiritual integrity, offering a peaceful alternative to rigid or extreme interpretations. --- In Part 1, we studied how extremism manifests in thought and behaviour, and what causes individuals, especially some youth, to fall into its trap. Now, we turn to a profound and timeless solution deeply rooted in the Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the scholarship of Islam, the Middle Path, known in Arabic as Wasatiyyah. The Middle Path is not a vague idea, but it is a core Islamic value, a practical and spiritual approach that protects individuals from falling into extremes. It offers balance between obligation and ease, between devotion and humanity, between personal spirituality and social responsibility. Let us observe what this concept really means and why it is more relevant today than ever before. A Balanced Nation Allah (God) describes the Muslim community in the Qur’an as: “And thus We have made you a nation justly balanced (Ummatan Wasatan) that you may be witnesses over mankind...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143) This verse does not just reflect a compliment, but it is also a responsibility. To be a just and balanced nation means: Not going to extremes in belief or practice. Bearing witness to the truth with wisdom. Living with compassion, not cruelty. Reflecting the mercy of the Prophet, not harshness. In short, the Qur’an anchors Muslims in moderation, guarding against both neglect and excess. The Prophetic Model of Balance The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived a life of remarkable equilibrium. He worshipped deeply and consistently, but he never pushed others beyond their capacity. Let us look at a few of his teachings and examples that reflect the middle path: 1. Worship in Balance He once said: “I fast, but there are days in which I rest and I do not fast. I pray during the night, and I sleep as well. I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.” (Bukhari and Muslim) This is a clear message: true religiosity is not about exhausting yourself or denying your humanity. Islam does not require monks or hermits. It calls for spiritual, yet socially active human beings. 2. Condemning Excessiveness The Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly warned against going to extremes: “The extremists are destroyed.” He repeated it three times. (Sahih Muslim) Why such a stern warning? Because extremism leads to burnout, hatred, and even violence. It breaks families and communities, and misrepresents Islam. 3. Teaching Gentleness When he saw Hazrat Zainab tying a rope between pillars so she would not fall asleep during prayer, he did not praise her zeal. Instead, he said: “Untie it. Pray as long as you feel energetic. When you are tired, rest.” (Bukhari) His message was clear: worship is not meant to torture you. Islam is a religion for people, not super-humans. How the Scholars Embraced Moderation? The early scholars of Islam—those closest to the time of the Prophet—repeatedly emphasized the importance of balance: “There is no exaggeration, and there is no negligence.” “Be flexible and easy people.” “Avoid extremism, whether in love or in hate.” Imam Hasan al-Basri beautifully summarized social balance: “Love with moderation and hate with moderation. For many have been destroyed by excessive love, and many by excessive hate.” These statements show that Islam is not a rigid system. It allows room for differences of opinion, for growth, for mistakes, and most importantly, for mercy. Middle Path in Personal Life Islam does not expect us to pray non-stop, fast all year, or live in seclusion. Instead, it wants us to be present in our families, communities, and in the world. This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged: Healthy family life. Earning a lawful income. Enjoying food, drink, and company with gratitude. Resting when needed. Maintaining hygiene, mental health, and dignity. All of this is worship when done with the right intention. Middle Path in Social Relations Extremism is not only about how one prays. It also affects how one interacts with people. The middle path teaches: Tolerance in disagreement. Kindness to neighbours. Avoiding violence and harshness. Forgiving those who wrong you. Respecting elders, scholars, and rulers while also holding them accountable. In contrast, extremism teaches suspicion, conspiracy thinking, and hate. The Prophet taught love, empathy, and responsibility. Balance in Dealing with Sin This is where many people struggle. How does Islam view sinners? The middle path says: Hate the sin, not the sinner. Never lose hope in God's mercy. Encourage improvement, but never shame or humiliate. Be patient with people’s journey of faith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was surrounded by people who made mistakes, drunkards, liars, even killers. But he treated them with such gentleness that many became the best of his companions. Extremists, on the other hand, label people quickly, reject them, and often treat them as lost causes. Islam teaches the opposite: everyone has the potential to return to God. Extremism Is a Trap of the Ego It is ironic, but many extremists are not led by love of God. They are driven by their ego, wanting to feel superior, righteous, and in control. The Prophet warned us against this spiritual disease. He taught humility and always reminded others that only God knows what is truly in a person’s heart. Conclusion: The Power of the Middle Path Choosing the middle path does not mean being weak, lazy, or “watering down” religion. It means being wise, compassionate, and effective. It is the path the Prophet (peace be upon him) walked, and the one that builds strong individuals and safe societies. Moderation in Islam preserves your energy for the long run, brings hearts closer together, protects you from harming others or yourself, and leads to spiritual depth and emotional peace, as Allah says: “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185) Up Next: Part 3 In Part 3, we will explore practical ways to combat extremism, from reforming religious discourse, to community programs, to addressing political and psychological root causes. We will also look at what the international community and Muslim scholars are doing to build peace and resilience. Part One: Understanding Extremism and Its Roots: Part 1 ---- Kaniz Fatima is an Islamic scholar and a regular columnist to New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/middle-path-islamic-extremism-part-2/d/135918 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