The term wasatiyyah comes from the root word wasat which means middle or balanced or moderate. The awsat is the mid of every thing. Actually, the wasat (middle) is a synonym for virtue because virtue is defined as the mid between two bad characters or two bad extremes. For instance, generosity is the wasat = (virtue) between niggardliness and extravagance. By the same token, bravery is the middle path (at-tariq al-wasat) between cowardice and rashness. Since al-wasat (middle) requires the existence of the mid which is between all ends in a very just way, scholars have said that wasat also refers to justice and fairness and being the best. Almighty Allah said, The best of them said: Did I not say to you, why do you not glorify (Allah)? " (Al-Quran: 68:28) The word best here refers to the Arabic word awsatuhum.

In this regard, we may cite the following verses revolving around these meanings;

Almighty Allah says, And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Messenger may be a bearer of witness to you; (Al-Quran: 2: 143) The verse speaks of the Muslim Ummah becoming witness on to mankind and shows that the merit that entitles this Ummah to this great position is being a just and medium (wasat) nation.

Even in their faith and creed, Muslims are privileged to have a wasat (balanced and moderate faith). Muslims stand middle between and balanced between polytheists who believe in many gods or in god composed of parts and those who deny the existence of god altogether. Muslims believe in Allah, the One True God, who is unique, sustaining all that exists, does not father nor is born.

Muslims hold a wasat `aqeedah regarding Prophet Jesus, son of Mary. While Jews consider him a liar and Christians worship him as god, Muslims take a middle view saying that he is a Prophet and a graduate of the same school of other Prophets including Moses and Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Video shot at: London - United Kingdom

2009-01-01

Video Tags: dawah awlaki london wasatiyyah anwar islam ib west quraan imam al sunnah saw Allah Muhammed swt aqeeda

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