Moderation

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[6:141] ….and do not waste anything. He does not love the wasters.

We should consult one another (42:38) and allow participation in the taking of certain big decisions. In this manner, subordinates can be motivated and instilled with the spirit of commitment and there can be all-round progress.

[3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.

In our faith, there is no coercion. [2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

Certainly, we can invite and encourage [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

But the final decision is in God’s hands. [109:1-6] Say, “O you disbelievers. “I do not worship what you worship. “Nor do you worship what I worship. “Nor will I ever worship what you worship. “Nor will you ever worship what I worship. “To you is your religion, and to me is my religion.”

We are told not to curse the gods of other people (6:108). Way before Dale Carnegie wrote his bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936), the Quran said [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.

 

Retaliation, whereby punishment resembles the offence committed in kind and degree, is recognised but with no excesses as God does not love the transgressors. Equivalence is the law but patience and forgiveness are the preferred choices. [2:178] O you who believe, equivalence is the law decreed for you when dealing with murder―the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. If one is pardoned by the victim’s kin, an appreciative response is in order, and an equitable compensation shall be paid. This is an alleviation from your Lord and mercy. Anyone who transgresses beyond this incurs a painful retribution.

[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the unjust.

[42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. Excesses are deplored throughout the Quran.

The Quran encourages justice and fair play. [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

All our ups and downs and fluctuations in this life, everything is with God’s full knowledge and consent [64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD’s will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things.

When we study the Quranic verses, we understand completely that whatever has happened, continues to happen and will happen in the future is based entirely on God’s immense knowledge and is in accordance with His Divine scheme of things.

Everything is predestined and whatever decision He has made will certainly come to pass. Our life, our death and every happening in the universe are all in His Command (35:11, 13:8). 

Ideally, we are not supposed to sink into gloom over the passing away of someone or the loss of something nor rejoice at some windfall nor gloat over a success. Even in celebration and sorrow, there is a caution about extremes (57:22-3).

Our free will is totally under God’s perfect control. This is God’s prerogative and can be shared with no one else. Our destiny is unalterable and, God willing, we have to keep performing to the best of our ability all our assigned tasks and duties in this life to attain eternal salvation.

Thus, people who say we should re-interpret the Quran in a “more modern way” or in “keeping with the times” are not aware of the true teachings of God’s Scripture. What we need to do, God willing, instead of berating other people about their lack of knowledge is study The Key that unlocks the treasure trove of the Quran which God has so kindly bequeathed to us and share the true knowledge and understanding thereof.

[29:69] As for those who strive in our cause, we will surely guide them in our paths. Most assuredly, GOD is with the pious.

Alim