Moderation and Balance

In the well-known Arabic dictionary Lisan al-Arab, the term qasd is defined as: “a moderate action—neither excessive nor deficient.” (Lisan al-Arab, Vol. 3, p. 354) The method of a true believer is the method of qasd—in both individual and collective matters. A believer always adopts a balanced approach, whether the situation is favourable or adverse. This world is a world of trials, and because of this, no individual’s or community’s condition remains the same. A person may experience good conditions at times and bad conditions at other times. They may find themselves in a peaceful environment one moment and in a hostile one the next. Sometimes, they may be in a position of strength, and at other times, in a position of weakness. A person may live among those they consider their own and, at times, among strangers. They may face friends at some moments and enemies at others. However, faith makes a person calm and composed. A person of faith remains firm in moderation in all circumstances. They continuously keep themselves tied to the “rope of God.” Believers are people of balance. The fluctuations of circumstances do not disrupt their peace. Their direction in life is shaped by the principles they have committed to— not by the external issues stirred up by others.