Quranic Answer
In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, emphasis is consistently placed on balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including worship. Extremism in worship, defined as exceeding the limits and boundaries set by Allah Almighty and His noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a phenomenon that, while seemingly a sign of intense asceticism and piety, can in reality stem from various factors that sometimes lack Quranic and Islamic roots, and may even contradict the very spirit of the religion. One of the most significant reasons some individuals may resort to extremism in worship is a lack of proper and comprehensive understanding of the philosophy and objectives of religion. Islam is a complete and comprehensive religion that covers all dimensions of human life; from individual relationships with God to social responsibilities, family duties, and even physical and spiritual needs. The Holy Quran explicitly states that Allah never wills hardship for His servants, but rather ease and mercy. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185, states: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship." This verse clearly indicates that the principle in religion is ease and the absence of imposing undue difficulty. Therefore, any extremism that leads to unnecessary hardship and harm to one's physical and mental well-being contradicts this Quranic principle. Another factor can arise from incorrect interpretations and superficial understandings of religious texts. Sometimes, individuals, without deep contemplation and without consulting scholars and people of knowledge, cling to certain outward forms of worship, believing that the more they worship and the harder they make it for themselves, the closer they will get to God. However, the quality and sincerity of worship are far more important than its quantity and difficulty. The Quran advises us not to exaggerate in our religion and not to deviate from the path of moderation. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 171, addressing the People of the Scripture, it says: "O People of the Scripture, do not exaggerate in your religion." Although this verse is directly addressed to the People of the Scripture, it conveys a universal principle of avoiding exaggeration and excess in any religion or creed. This exaggeration can include self-imposed religious duties, forbidding what is lawful, or excessive physical austerities that Allah has not ordained. Furthermore, extremism in worship sometimes stems from selfish motivations such as showing off (riya'), seeking recognition, or gaining social status. An individual might engage in difficult and arduous acts of worship to appear superior to others and to be known among people as an ascetic and pious person. However, the Quran strongly prohibits showing off and ostentation in worship, emphasizing that worship must be sincere and performed solely for the pleasure of Allah. Sincerity is the essence of worship, and any act without sincerity, no matter how voluminous or difficult it may seem, is worthless in the sight of Allah. Surah Al-Ma'un condemns those who pray for show, indicating that Allah accepts only sincere deeds. Moreover, neglecting other dimensions of religion and life can also lead to extremism in worship. Islam is a religion of life, encouraging individuals to pay attention to both their afterlife and their worldly life. Neglecting family, social, and professional responsibilities, and even physical and spiritual needs, under the pretext of more worship, is not only undesirable but sometimes considered a sin. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently emphasized that "the best of affairs are their most balanced" and forbade extremism. He himself was the best example of balancing worship with social life. Worship in Islam is intended to educate and elevate the human soul and strengthen its connection with the Creator, so that in daily life, an individual can be useful, ethical, and responsible. If worship is performed in such a way that it isolates an individual from society or prevents them from fulfilling their duties, it contradicts the primary purpose of religion. Ultimately, extremism in worship is often a result of a lack of comprehensive and balanced understanding of Islamic teachings, susceptibility to incorrect interpretations, selfish motivations, or ignorance of religious boundaries. The solution to this problem lies in returning to the spirit of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), according to which Islam is a religion of "wasatiyyah" (moderation) and balance; neither extremism nor negligence. A true Muslim is one who maintains balance between the rights of God, their own rights, the rights of their family, and the rights of society, and approaches God with knowledge and sincerity. As we read in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143: "And thus We have made you a justly balanced nation that you will be witnesses over the people." This verse shows that the Muslim Ummah should be a model of moderation and balance for all humanity, and extremism in worship contradicts this lofty position. Therefore, a correct understanding and adherence to these Quranic principles prevent one from falling into the trap of extremism and negligence in religious matters, paving the way for true happiness and tranquility.
Related Verses
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
Al-Baqarah : 185
يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ ۚ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِّنْهُ ۖ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ۖ وَلَا تَقُولُوا ثَلَاثَةٌ ۚ انتَهُوا خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا اللَّهُ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۖ سُبْحَانَهُ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ ۘ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلًا
O People of the Scripture, do not exaggerate in your religion or state about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say 'three'; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.
An-Nisa : 171
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَانَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
And thus We have made you a justly balanced nation that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it was difficult except for those whom Allah guided. And never would Allah have caused your faith to be lost. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.
Al-Baqarah : 143
Short Story
It is narrated that in ancient times, there was a devout worshipper who was so absorbed in worship that he completely withdrew from the world and its people. One day, a wise and knowledgeable friend visited him. He saw that the worshipper was so engrossed in prayer and remembrance that he did not even allow himself to rest, ate meagerly, and neglected his family and helping others. The wise friend gently told him: "My friend, the path to drawing near to God is not solely in seclusion and excessive worship. Once, there was a man who stayed awake all night in prayer and fasted all day. One day, he was asked: 'Why do you burden yourself so much?' He replied: 'I want to draw closer to God.' A great wise man told him: 'The doors of God's mercy are open from all directions, and He loves His servants not to neglect their lives. True worship is that which contains sincerity and maintains a balance between the right of God, the right of creation, and the right of the self. If, by excessive worship, you neglect your other duties, it is as if you are knocking on only one door, while God looks upon His servants from all doors.' The worshipper, hearing these wise words, came to his senses and understood that moderation is the key to perfection, and true worship is a service that encompasses all aspects of life.