Between two extremes

The line the Prophet drew in the middle was straight and the lines on the sides were curved. At a time when multi-media projector, precision technology and laser guided equipment were surely not invented. The lesson that he taught his companions through these lines might surprise some; some others might see it as silly; geniuses […]

The line the Prophet drew in the middle was straight and the lines on the sides were curved. At a time when multi-media projector, precision technology and laser guided equipment were surely not invented. The lesson that he taught his companions through these lines might surprise some; some others might see it as silly; geniuses and super-achieving philosophers might mock at this childish action of the Arabian prophet. However, one can witness for himself how the whole universe and what is on it testify to the truth of this simple drawing.
Look at how life on the surface of the earth has been fine tuned for living beings. If the earth’s distance from the sun is any greater the planet would grow very cold, the water cycle in the atmosphere would be affected. If the earth was any closer to the sun, plants would burn up, the water cycle in the earth’s atmosphere would be irreparably damaged, and life would become impossible. If the speed at which the earth revolves is any slower, the temperature difference between day and night would grow enormously. If it were any faster, then atmospheric winds would reach enormous speeds, and cyclones and storms would make life impossible.
This is just a tip of the iceberg of examples in the creation of Allah (SWT). He, out of His great wisdom, ordained balance and equilibrium without any flaws. “You will see no incongruity in the Merciful One’s creation. Turn your vision again, can you see any flaw?’ (Quran 67:3)
The planets and stars are commanded to obey the smooth order set by Allah (SWT). None of them can disobey Allah (SWT), their Creator and Administrator, for the simple reason that they have not been imbued with the aptitude of disobeying their Lord. Neither can they imagine of running in disorder, for that will end up in greatest catastrophes. Their duty is to submit to the will of their Lord incontestably. “He said to the heaven and the earth: “Come, willingly or unwillingly.” They said: “Here we come in willing obedience.’ (Qur’an 41:11)
Quite contrary to the animal kingdom, in the creation of mankind, specific bounties and miracles of Allah Almighty are found. Man has been endowed with the ability to differentiate right from wrong, ‘And did We not show him the two highways (Of good and evil)’ (Qur’an 90:10); equally he has been created as haste in his nature, as the Qur’an puts it as, ‘Man is hasty by nature’ (Quran 21:37). This Qur’anic verse provides significant insight into human nature.
The subtle acumen in man’s creation is that while being haste in nature he is required to adopt a moderate path.
With his ability to differentiate between right and wrong man is easily tempted towards evil and those that give instant and immediate pleasure; he is impotent and weak in resolve beyond this imperfect world, as we see everywhere. The root cause of world’s problems lies in not understanding this fundamental truth.
The lines that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) drew were directly linked to this aspect of human nature. Had he wished, the Prophet (PBUH) could have drawn two parallel lines – one straight and the other curved –  and differentiated them. But instead of doing that, he drew several curved lines on the sides and one straight line in the middle. By this simple lesson the Prophet (PBUH) succinctly portrayed the underlying power of the middle path.
Look at the sun, its energy reaches full capacity when it’s right in the middle at 12 noon, giving us maximum heat. When you take pills for an ailment, you must take the right amount, neither less nor more, for, if it’s less you will not be cured, if it’s more you will be adversely affected. A man is very strong only in his youth, neither in the childhood nor old age. Islam teaches us moderation and balance in behaviour. Bravery is a laudable trait between cowardice and arrogance; the Islamic moderation is a healthy trait between crude rationalism and fuming sensationalism; between evasive pessimism and pestering extremism; between immediate needs and unachievable desires; between promiscuous sexual practices and celibacy; between lethargy and haste; between intense love and intense hate; between asceticism and materialism.
Allah SWT addresses Muslims in the following words:
…And it is thus we appointed you to be the community of the middle path so that you might be a witness to all mankind and the Messenger might be a witness to you…(Qur’an 2:143)
By this statement, Allah SWT entrusted the Muslim Ummah with an onerous responsibility of social reform; this Ummah has been chosen to be role models to all mankind by charting a middle path. This is in total agreement with the reality, that if you put the whole mankind in one circle, those who assume its leadership or position of role models must stand in its centre. Thus the middle position of a circle is its centre. From a geographical perspective, Makkah is the centre of the globe, that is the reason for Allah SWT to choose this blessed city for His final universal message.
So, Middle Path is important.
Middle path is a principle one should adopt in all aspects of his life. In fact it’s a way of life for success. Human nature is inclined towards violence, wickedness and temptations. …for surely one’s self prompts one to evil, except him to whom my Lord may show mercy…(Quran 12:56) . This Qur’anic Truth has been proved in our practical life beyond any shadow of doubt; it’s the word of the Creator that every Muslim must place his trust in.

– Islamcity