Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Introduction
Psychologically and sociologically, humans are created with a tendency to gather with those who share the same frequency. Yet, spiritual maturity is truly tested when we interact with those of a different "color." Islam introduces the concept of Wasathiyah (the middle path), which is like the heart in the human body—positioned in the center, keeping the flow of life stable. Being moderate does not mean ignoring the principles of aqidah; it means humanizing others without losing our identity as Muslims
Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith
لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَٰرِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ
"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. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." (QS. Al-Mumtahanah : 8)
مَنْ قَتَلَ مُعَاهَدًا لَمْ يَرِحْ رَائِحَةَ الْجَنَّةِ وَإِنَّ رِيحَهَا تُوجَدُ مِنْ مَسِيرَةِ أَرْبَعِينَ عَامًا
"Whoever kills a mu‘ahad—a non-Muslim under a peace covenant—will not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance can be detected from a distance of forty years’ travel." (HR. Bukhari)
2. Lessons and Messages
Justice is a universal language that transcends religious boundaries. Granting the rights of non-Muslim neighbors, smiling sincerely, or helping them in hardship is not a sign of “weak faith.” Rather, it is diplomacy through character. We are not validating their beliefs; we are fulfilling Allah’s command to be a mercy to the universe.Recall the story in the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when the funeral procession of a Jew passed by him. The Messenger stood up as a sign of respect. The companions were surprised and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, that is the funeral of a Jew?" He calmly replied, "Was he not a human being?" Imagine the nobility of this heart; he saw the human aspect before the label of belief.Imagine an orchestra. There are violins, cellos, wind instruments, and percussion. Each holds a different score. If the violin forced the percussion to sound like it, the music would be ruined. Islam is the wise conductor; it lets each instrument play its part as long as it does not disturb the grand harmony of humanity. We do not need to be “the same” to produce “harmony.”Sometimes there are people so rigid they forget how to smile at a neighbor of a different faith. They want to invite others to Paradise, but their faces look like the gatekeepers of Hell. In reality, if we are curt, people won’t enter Islam—they’ll just catch a cold from how frigid our attitude is! Practicing religion should bring calm, not make others tense.
3. Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, the principle of Wasathiyah teaches us not to go to the extreme left (sacrificing aqidah) and not to the extreme right (being harsh/unjust). Let us be Muslims who are strong in tawhid, yet gentle in conduct. For indeed, the beauty of Islam is more often seen in the manners of its followers than in mere words from the pulpit.
والله أعلم بالصواب
الحمد لله رب العالمين
Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.
ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie
