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What is [الوسطية] [Al-Wasatiyyah (The Middle Path)?

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saalim Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

It is widely known with some of the people, that Al [ٱلۡوُسۡطَ] is only that which occupies the middle position between two things, and they do not call to attention the other meaning of this word, as mentioned in the Magnificent Qur’aan and the Prophetic Sunnah. [ٱلۡوُسۡطَ ]  in the Islamic legislation is that which is ‘Superior.’ [Allaah (The Most High)] said: said:

 

حَـٰفِظُواْ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٲتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ

”Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the Salatul Wustaa (the Asr prayer)” [2:238]

[ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ]; meaning: the best, more excellent etc.

And [Allaah (The Most High)] said:

مِنۡ أَوۡسَطِ مَا تُطۡعِمُونَ أَهۡلِيكُمۡ

[مِنۡ أَوۡسَطِ ] [On the scale] of the average of that which you feed your own families” [5:89]

That is: The best and most just.

And [Allaah (The Most High)] said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا

”Thus We have made you [أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا] [2:143]

That is: the best and most upright.

 

The intent behind all this is to understand that [الوسطية] in the context of the Religion is that which is ‘best’ and the ‘Justice of the Religion’—(and it is) to follow that which Allaah (The Mighty and Magestic) has commanded and keep away and refrain from that which He has forbidden.  As for the explanation of [الوسطية] in the religious context with a meaning other than this meaning; then it is (something founded upon a foundation) ready to crumble down. It is a mirage which the thirsty one considers water (i.e. an illusion). [Source: Al Haqeeqatus Shar-iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aanil Adheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyati page: 186]

 

ibaadah, worship