Understanding Excess in Religion

UNDERSTANDING EXCESS IN RELIGION this process became so prolonged and distressing that, along with the water of the bath, tears would also flow from his eyes. This was an unnecessary form of doubt. In the view of the Shariah, this is excess, not Islamic caution. This evil of excess always arises under the influence of religious zeal, but in its outcome, it turns into the opposite of religion. In its initial intention it appears innocent, but when put into practice it becomes non-innocent. Worship of God is among the obligations of Islam. But if a worshipper performs the dawn prayer with the ablution of sunset, or undertakes to complete the entire Quran every night, such actions turn into excess in worship. In Islam, a sense of honour is appreciated. But if a person’s sense of honour grows to such an extent that he feels offended even at admitting the truth against himself, then such honour falls into the category of excess. Islam teaches respect for people of knowledge. But if respect for people of knowledge is taken to mean that they should not be criticized, this too becomes excess. The reality is that religious zeal by itself does not make an action religious. It is also necessary that the action be in accordance with the command of God and the model of the Messenger. (Al-Risala, April 1987)