Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Introduction
Psychologically, humans have an energy threshold called ego depletion. If someone forces themselves into extreme mental or spiritual activity without rest (like non-stop worship while ignoring the body’s needs), their self-control will actually plummet. Conversely, a soul that is never“fed” with worship will experience a spiritual void or existential emptiness. Moderation in worship scientifically maintains the body’s circadian rhythm and dopamine balance. By worshiping moderately yet consistently (itqan), our brains form new, permanent neural pathways, so worship is no longer a burden, but a biological need that calms the central nervous system.
Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith
Allah SWT reminds us not to go to extremes to the point of self-torture, and the Messenger of Allah SAW set beautiful boundaries:
مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ
"We did not send down the Qur’an to you (Muhammad) to cause you distress." (QS. Taha : 2)
إِنَّ الدِّينَ يُسْرٌ، وَلَنْ يُشَادَّ الدِّينَ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا غَلَبَهُ، فَسَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا
"Indeed, the religion is ease. No one makes the religion difficult except that it will overwhelm him. So act rightly (moderately), draw near to perfection, and give glad tidings." (HR. Bukhari)
2. Lessons and Messages
The worship most beloved to Allah is not the one done in a one-night “burst” only to vanish forever, but the one that is small yet continuous. Do not erase your obligations because you feel sinful, but do not impose devotion beyond your limits so that your body’s rights are neglected. Remember, your Lord has a right, you yourself have a right, and your family has a right. A smart traveler does not spur his horse to death in the middle of the road; he paces it so the horse reaches the destination.Recall the story of Abdullah bin Amr bin Ash, who was so zealous in worship that he intended to pray all night for life and fast every day. Prophet Muhammad SAW then came to him with compassion and reprimanded him. He said, "Fast and break your fast, pray at night and sleep. For your body has a right, your eyes have a right, and your wife has a right over you." Abdullah wept, realizing that the Prophet’s compassion was meant to protect him from burnout. In his old age, Abdullah often said, "Oh, if only I had taken the concession (moderation) the Messenger of Allah offered back then."Worship is like planting a tree. If you give it water (worship) excessively until the soil floods, the tree’s roots will rot and die. But if you give it no water at all, the tree will wither and dry out. Water your tree of faith with just enough water, but do it routinely every day. That is the secret why a tree growing in the middle yields sweet fruit and shade for those around it.There was a man who wanted to look extremely repentant. He prayed a thousand raka‘at of night prayer in one night. The next morning, during Fajr prayer at the mosque, he fell fast asleep while standing. When the congregation had gone home, he woke up startled to see the mosque empty. He complained, "O Allah, why didn’t You wake Your servant for Fajr in congregation?" As if a voice in his heart answered, "How could you wake up, when at raka‘at 999 you already ‘fainted’ from arrogantly trying to run a worship marathon!" That’s the irony; chasing the recommended until you pass out, only to miss the obligatory. Worship requires faith, not just the stamina of a horse!
3. Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, moderation in worship is the path to salvation. It keeps us away from ghuluw (extremism) that destroys, and from belittlement that causes negligence. Let us worship with love, in the right measure, so our journey toward Him feels beautiful and full of flowers."O Allah, guide us to always remember You, be grateful to You, and perfect our worship to You in the way that You are pleased with."Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin
والله أعلم بالصواب
الحمد لله رب العالمين
Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.
ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie
