Islam is all about moderation and fairness and places itself half way between the two extremities of extremism and remissness. Moderation and balance in all aspects of life are the most distinguished characters in this true religion, there is no extremism, exaggeration, delinquency, high-handedness, underestimation, or transgression; yet, each side takes its right by righteous measures. Islam is a religion of peace where the followers of the Prophet PBUH are to adopt an intermediate position between the spiritual and bodily needs, reality and imagination, positivism and negativism, love and hate, and all other crossing points in the human soul. It is this moderate stance on ethics that makes a Muslim a person of balanced character in terms of leniency and strictness.

Moderateness with the religion:  Allah SWT has made this religion very easy for mankind, commands of worship are made feasible, doable and within the limits of human abilities.  Allah SWT says, "Allah does not charge a self (anything) except its capacity…" [1:286].   This is the case in prayer, paying Zakat, Fasting, performing pilgrimage as well as all other religious duties. There is a famous Hadith narrated in Bukharie about those who push themselves to the extreme limits in terms of worship; it says,  "Three men headed for the house of the Prophet PBUH to ask about his acts of worship. They said, 'we are far lagging behind the Prophet in worship….”. Accordingly, one of them said, 'I shall pray all night-long forever,' another one said, 'I shall fast forever,' while the third one said, 'I shall do without women and never get married." Thereupon when Prophet PBUH heard this, He addressed them saying, "Surely I am the most fearful and pious to Allah among you, yet I do fast and break fasting, pray and sleep, and marry women. So whoever sheers from my tradition shall not be a follower of mine" [Bukhari].   In a different narration it is mentioned, “Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you" [Bukhari].   In the context of moderation in prayer, Allah SWT says, "… And do not be (too) loud in your prayer nor hushed therein, and seek for a way between that" [18:110]. 

Aversion to Extremism and Remissness:  This moderateness in Islamic law, in terms of belief, worship, transactions, judgments and legislations, has enabled this religion to fit well with people's interests across times and places, while keeping the nation away from extremism and extravagance.   Prophet PBUH said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of paradise)" [Bukhari].    Islam keeps a balanced approach in all matters; belief, ethics, behavior, treatment of others. Allah SWT says, "And thus We have made you a middle nation to be witnesses over mankind, and (for) the Messenger to be a witness over you" [1:143].   Islam's moderateness is based on the belief in oneness of Allah and following teachings of His Messenger and is free from extremism and remissness. The Islamic methodology is a fair and upright one which keeps the balance between the worldly needs and the requirements of the Hereafter. Allah SWT says, "And seek, in whatever Allah has brought you, the Last Residence, and do not forget your assignment of the present (life); and be fair (to others) as Allah has been fair to you" [28:77].  Which means to cherish and thank Allah for whatever He has bestowed on you in this life, achieve full obedience to Him and fulfill your obligations to Him, this shall guarantee you reward in the Hereafter.