Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Introduction

Sociologically, humans are interconnected beings. We cannot live in total isolation. The opposite of Wasathiyah in human relations lies at two extremes that damage the social order. On one side, there is Blind Fanaticism that rejects all relations with non-Muslims as if they were not human beings with rights. On the other side, there is the attitude of Dissolving Aqidah in the name of tolerance, where one considers all religions the same to the point of sacrificing one’s own principles of faith. Wasathiyah teaches us to have a “Strong Wall” in aqidah, yet an “Open Door” in social and humanitarian affairs.

Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith

لَا يَنْهٰىكُمُ اللّٰهُ عَنِ الَّذِيْنَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوْكُمْ فِي الدِّيْنِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوْكُمْ مِّنْ دِيَارِكُمْ اَنْ تَبَرُّوْهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوْٓا اِلَيْهِمْ

"Allah does not forbid you from being kind and acting justly toward those who did not fight you because of religion and did not expel you from your homes..." (QS. Al-Mumtahanah : 8)

لَكُمْ دِيْنُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِيْنِ

"For you is your religion, and for me is my religion." (QS. Al-Kafirun : 6)

2. Lessons and Messages

True tolerance does not mean becoming the same; it means respecting differences without losing your own identity. Being a good Muslim means being a good neighbor to anyone. We can share food, share laughter, and cooperate in worldly affairs without sacrificing even a single prostration to anyone other than Allah. This is the dignity of a believer.Once, a funeral procession passed by the Messenger of Allah SAW and he stood up as a sign of respect. A companion beside him whispered, "O Messenger of Allah, that is the funeral of a Jew." The Messenger SAW replied with words that deeply touch the heart, "Was he not a human soul (alaisa nafsan)?" Here we learn that differences in belief must not erase our sense of humanity. In God’s eyes, every soul has honor in its created destiny.Social relations are like visiting someone’s house. When you visit, you must be polite, respect the host, and you can eat together at the same table. But that does not mean you must change your name to the host’s name or claim that the house deed belongs to you. You remain “you,” but you can be friends with “him.” That is the beauty of living side by side.There was a man so “tolerant” that when his friend of a different faith celebrated a religious holiday at their place of worship, he joined in their rituals. His friend, confused, asked, "Hey, why are you joining our prayer?" He proudly replied, "This is boundless tolerance, bro!" His friend responded, "Bro, that’s not tolerance; that’s you being confused about who you want to be. If you join us, then at lunchtime when I ask for a share of the kebuli rice sent from your mosque, are you going to share that with me too?" The lesson: Tolerance should not make us “lose direction.” Appreciate with a smile, not by losing faith.

3. Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, the opposite of Wasathiyah is fanatical hatred or fatal mixing of aqidah. Let us make Islam a religion that is friendly, not angry. We remain firm upon Laa ilaha illallah, yet our hands remain open to help others regardless of skin color or religion. May Allah keep our faith straight amid the diverse colors of the world.

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.

ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie