MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir emphasized the importance of moderation (tawasuth) in the lives of Muslims.
In a recent address at the gathering of Shawwal 1445 Hijri at the Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) on Wednesday (April 17), Haedar stressed that the Ramadan fast should not be merely a routine but should also bring about positive changes in Muslims, one of which is the cultivation of moderation. He explained that this value can be derived from the act of fasting itself, which represents self-restraint from worldly desires. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to be proportionate and moderate in their pursuit of worldly pleasures.
“Fasting teaches us to take the middle path, to fulfill all the needs of life, to fulfill all our natural desires according to the sunnah, but remember, don’t overdo it, and everything has its limits,” said Haedar.
This principle of moderation, according to Haedar, applies not only to matters of food and drink and the fulfillment of biological desires but also to power, wealth, and other worldly pursuits. He pointed out that the recent political turmoil in Indonesia is also a consequence of the abandonment of moderation.
Therefore, after completing the Ramadan fast, Haedar expressed his hope that every Muslim can find an implementable middle ground in all aspects of human life. He emphasized that moderation should also be applied to matters of the afterlife. As Muslims, he said, we should not confine ourselves to the mosque, neglecting our other duties as khalifah on earth. Muhammadiyah members, according to Haedar, should live an integrated life, not being extreme towards the world or the hereafter.
“Let’s bring worldly matters and religious matters to a middle ground so that we don’t go overboard, because going overboard often leads to problems,” said Haedar.
While appreciating the growing religious spirit among the Muslim community, Haedar expressed his disagreement with the excessive attitudes that portray Islamic teachings as nothing more than a set of prohibitions and rigid rules. He warned against this rigid interpretation, which can lead to conflicts between religious teachings and culture, such as the tradition of exchanging Eid al-Fitr greetings, which is often deemed un-Sunnah and therefore wrong.
Haedar’s call for moderation serves as a timely reminder for Muslims to find balance in their lives, avoiding extremes and embracing a harmonious approach that integrates both worldly and spiritual concerns. By adhering to this principle of moderation, Muslims can contribute to a more just, equitable, and harmonious society.
