QV11.....Islam’s way of balanced living

[Quick links] 

Islam promotes a simple way of living. But does it mean that it advocates ascetic way of living?

Ascetism was once considered to be the right way in many parts of the world, both in the east as well as in the west. During Muhammad’s time there were religious groups in and around Arabia, who emphasized on ascetism.

But what does Quran say?

Quran is not for strict ascetic way of living. It says

“Qul man harrama zeenatal laahil lateee akhraja li'ibaadihee wattaiyibaati minar rizq; qul hiya lillazeena aamanoo fil hayaatid dunyaa khaalisatany Yawmal Qiyaamah; kazaalika nufassihul Aayaati liqawminy ya'lamoon

Yaa Banneee Adama khuzoo zeenatakum 'inda kulli masjidinw wa kuloo washraboo wa laa tusrifoo; innahoo laa yuhibbul musrifeen”

“…Whatever beautiful gifts of Allah which He has produced for His servants, and the things clean and pure, which He has provided for sustenance are not forbidden.

.. Wear your beautiful apparel at every time, and place of prayer: Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters” (Quran 7.32, 7.31)

Note that Islam does not restrict enjoyment, but does not accept lavish way of life. It advises restraint and avoidance of any excess. That does not mean that one should resort to complete self-denial.

What one eats, what one wears are not that important. What is more important is morality.

So, what does Quran forbid? Quran says

“Qul innamaa harrama Rabbiyal fawaahisha maa zahara minhaa wa maa bataa wal isma walbaghya bighairil haqqi wa an tushrikoo billaahi maa lam yunazzil bihee sultaananw wa an taqooloo 'alal laahi maa laa ta'lamoon”

“The things that God has indeed forbidden are

· shameful deeds, whether open or secret;

· sins and trespasses against truth or reason;

· assigning of partners to Allah, for which He has given no authority; and

· saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.” (Quran 7.33)

It is interesting to note that even during the time of Buddha there existed a school of ascetism, where one was expected to resort to abject self-denial and to some extent self-torture, to atone for the sins one had committed in the past lives and to prevent further committing of sins.

In the initial stages, Buddha himself followed that path. He fasted for days together, “till his stomach touched his back, till he almost swooned”. He held his breath – “till his ears burst out”. But the enlightenment that Buddha was seeking, remained elusive.

Finally, Buddha says that self-denial is not the way to go. So, he came up with his ‘middle path or Madhyma Marg’ – neither over indulgence, nor complete ascetism. He said that that is the way to go.


Even ancient Indians did not advocate complete denial. Ascetism was relegated only to the last part of one’s life, when one wants to detach from worldly bonds, and completely focus on ultimate emancipation.

Even at that stage, one was not expected to starve, but is advised to live on alms, so that he does not need to indulge in worldly activities. That is how even Buddha lived.

I have discussed in greater detail about this ancient Indian way of balanced living in my book “Ancient wisdom – Modern viewpoints”.

So, balance is the right way to go.

Quranic verses episode 11

Start       Prev     Next 
 

Based on verses from Holy Quran. The interpretation is by Dr.King. The Quran recitations are from various sites such as Quran.net, Quran411.com and so on.