Sincerity and Moderation

Moreover, we Muslims must adopt positive and moderate attitude in the performance of our religious duties.  Whenever we perform any of the fundamental teachings of Islam, we need to do them wholeheartedly out of our sincere love to serve Allah. That willingness on our part will give us more strength or vigor to worship Allah with ease and comfort; thereby, making all forms of ibadah something we enjoy, cherish, and look up to as real and obedient servants of Allah.  Let us remember that contrary to the misconception of non-Muslims (who think that Islam is very hard) Islam is actually easy: 

Abû Hurairah t narrated that the Prophetr said, “Religion (Islam) is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhâri 1/38)

Furthermore, Islam is a moderate religion. Islam teaches us Muslims to perform all acts of worship or do righteous deeds to the best of our abilities but not to be extreme. Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah enjoin us to be moderate instead of being extreme:

“O you who believe!  Make not unlawful the good things that God has made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for God loves not those given to excess.”  (Qur’an 5:87)

“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass.”  (Qur’an 31:19)

Abu Hurairaht  narrated that when this verse was revealed, “Whoever does evil will be required for it” (4:123), and when this was conveyed to the Muslims they were greatly perturbed. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger r said: “Be moderate and stand firm in trouble that falls to the lot of a Muslim (as that) is an expiation for him; even stumbling on the path or the pricking of a thorn (are an expiation for him).”   (Muslim 6243)

Allah’s Messenger r warns us against extremism in the Religion and enjoins us to be moderate.  He said:

"I warn you of extremism in the Religion for indeed those that came before you were destroyed due to their extremism in the religion.”  (Nasa’i 5/268, Ibn Majah 3029, Ahmad 1/215 and 347)

Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allah’s Messengerr said, “The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from the Hell Fire).” They said, “Even you, (will not be saved by your deeds), O Allah’s Messenger?”  He r said: “No, even I, unless and until Allah bestows His Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your Target (Paradise).”   (Bukhari 8/ 470)