Allah says in the Holy Quran: "And thus We have made you a middle nation." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143)

The Prophet (PBUH) declared: "I have been sent to take the easy path, not the extreme one." He also said: "Make things easy and do not be harsh. The religion of Islam is certainly easy, and none will make it hard except those who transgress its limits." Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) was given a choice between two things, he chose the easier one. He said: "Give good news and do not spread hatred." These are among several narrations in Bukhari. Allah commands: "Do not go to excess in your religion." (Surah An-Nisa, verse 171) The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "O people! Beware of excess in religious matters. Those before you were destroyed because of excess in it." (Ibn Majah)

Islam is a religion of peace and humanity. Extremism, militancy, terrorism and corruption have no place in it, and it does not support acts of sabotage at all. Creating instability and fear is a crime that deserves severe punishment in Islam. Islam came to fly the white dove of peace in a troubled world. It encourages moderate conduct in family, social and state life and in carrying out religious rules. It supports harmonious relations with all nations and communities and peaceful coexistence. No mainstream movement of Islam was carried out by the power of the sword; the faith spread around the world through forgiveness, generosity and moral example.

In various verses of the Quran, Allah says: "Do not transgress limits. Surely Allah does not love those who transgress." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 190)

Moderation in daily life and in religion is a directive of Islamic Shariah. There is less risk of danger in moderation: from a middle position it is easier to rise higher and no harder to come down.

Following moderation and the matchless example of the Prophet (PBUH) is the need of the hour in spreading Islam. In the present context, taking a hard line and choosing extremism amounts to self-destruction. All of us must firmly resolve to be inspired by the example of the Prophet (PBUH), the guide to humanity's liberation. Devout people must be urged to stay alert against extremism and to stand for peace, order and moderation.

It is worth noting that Sheikh Dr Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais, chief imam of the Kaaba and head of the authority that runs the two holy mosques, has received a major award as the leading figure in promoting moderation and tolerance. He has made an outstanding contribution to building harmony and goodwill in society and to resisting extremism.

Source: Bangladesh Pratidin. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.