The Virtue of the Ummah of Muhammad: A Justly Balanced Community

Understanding the Unique Virtue of the Ummah of Muhammad

VIRTUE OF THE UMMAH OF MUHAMMAD

ALLĀH says:

وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَـكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا
Thus WE have made of you an Ummah justly balanced

that is, following a moderate and just way. Anything other than the moderate middle way comes under the heading of extremes that are subject to prohibition. So ALLĀH has made this Ummah justly balanced in all matters of religion and justly balanced with regard to belief in the Prophets, so that they do not go to extremes in veneration, as the Christians did, or in disrespect, as the Jews did. The Muslims believe in all the Prophets in an appropriate manner. They also follow a moderate middle way with regard to laws, avoiding the strictness and restrictions of the Jews and the lenience of the Christians.

With regard to matters of purification and food, the Muslims are not like the Jews, whose prayers cannot be valid unless they are offered in their synagogues, and whom not even water can purify from impurities. Good things were forbidden to them, as a punishment. And they (the Muslims)  are not like the Christians, who do not regard anything as impure or forbid anything; rather they permitted (as food) anything that walks or crawls on the face of the earth.

The Muslims’ way of purification is the most perfect and complete; ALLĀH has permitted to them good things in the area of food, drinks, clothing and marriage, and HE has forbidden to them whatever is impure in those areas. Hence this Ummah has the most perfect religion, the best manners, and the most virtuous deeds.

ALLĀH has bestowed upon them knowledge, forbearance, justice and kindness that HE did not bestow upon any other nation.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}