Everything in the universe is created within balance and delicate measures. In the world where opposites coexist, there is an astonishing order. At times, the interference of human hands can disrupt the existing balance, leading to irreversible consequences. Many of the problems we face today arise in this manner. Knowing one’s limits in every aspect and maintaining balance and moderation is the fundamental key for individuals to sustain not only their relationships with others but also their relationships with other living beings in a healthy manner. Therefore, the concepts of “moderation” and “balance” have been contemplated by many thinkers. Moderation and balance, which are one of the most emphasized topics in the Qur’an and Sunnah, are important principles to live on the straight path, far from excessiveness and insufficiency.
Our Lord states in the Chapter al-Qamar, “Surely We have created each and every thing by (precise) measure.” (54/49). In the Chapter ar-Rahman, the concept of balance is emphasized, and it is commanded not to disturb this balance. Disruption of balance can bring along serious consequences that cannot be prevented. The Almighty has presented to our comprehension that there is a balance and measure in every stage of existence, by emphasizing the order and balance in the universe. The order in the universe is maintained through the Divine laws of creation. Even a slight change in temperature or a small imbalance in rainfall can lead to droughts or floods. Environmental problems, one of the most current topics, is a great example of this. With the rise in the standard of living, consumption and production have increased. Failure to maintain balance in consumption habits, excessiveness of individuals, environmental pollution, global warming, and the reduction of biological diversity have emerged as problems. The problems arising from the inconsistency and imbalance of individuals have not been effectively resolved, although efforts have been made to correct them.
Human beings are distinct from other beings because of their intellect, will, and sense of responsibility. Knowing the negative consequences of not maintaining measure and balance in life, humans have set limits and measures. These limits can be exemplified by the laws established in a country. Almost everyone is aware that they will face severe or mild punishment if they violate the laws, yet they may incline towards excesses and exceed the limits, driven by their nature. Just as the disruption of ecological balance affects people’s lives, excesses in people’s actions and imbalances affect themselves and others. Sometimes, due to inconsistencies and imbalances of individuals, problems arise, which may manifest as excesses like corruption and unjust gains or, conversely, deficiencies such as remaining silent against injustice. This situation continues to lead to behaviors that do not align with moral values, resulting in injustices, conflicts, and wars in both history and today’s world.
Emotions and habits such as hatred, greed, laziness, and stinginess affect our daily actions and lead to morally unacceptable behaviors. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, therefore emphasized in a hadith that not only actions but also emotions should be balanced, saying: “Do not go to excess in praising your loved ones, for perhaps one day that person will become your enemy. Likewise, do not go to excess in showing enmity toward your adversaries, for perhaps one day that person will become your friend.”[1] Trust-inspiring individuals have always been those who can maintain balance in their actions and emotions.
Respected Fethullah Gülen Hodjaefendi has stated, “One should avoid going to extremes in one’s thinking and actions. Going to extremes is a lethal poison. As it is wrong to seek simplicity and sincerity in poor clothing or a life being lived in a miserable house with a few, broken old things, so too it’s wrong to see and seek sophistication, civilization and prosperity in the modern style of expensive clothes and other luxuries.”[2]
Excess and deficiency arise as a result of human deviation. Just as the wind blows the leaves away, people, when faced with events, may react without thinking and be thrown into extremes while reacting to something, missing all subtleties and falling into excessiveness. Then, the shock experienced leads them to the opposite side, that is, to deficiency. To avoid oscillating between these two opposite poles, one should use their will, stop and think, measure and weigh, and always choose the straight path, not deviate to oppression, and not deviate from justice.
[1] Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Birr, 60.
[2] M. Fethullah Gülen, Pearls of Wisdom, New Jersey: Tughra Books, 2013, p. 103.
