16/ The Moderation of the People of the Quran

We have already seen that the Quran is the best, noblest, and most excellent form of remembrance. We have also seen the virtue of its bearers: they are the people of Allah and His chosen ones, as authentically reported from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. There is no doubt that the bearers of the Quran possess many sublime qualities and noble attributes. Yet their most important attribute, their noblest quality, and their most prominent hallmark is moderation and balance. This is attained by adhering to what the Quran teaches and remaining within its bounds, without extremism or neglect, excess or deficiency, addition or shortcoming.

Allah Most High says: “Thus We have made you a balanced nation, so that you may be witnesses over humanity and the Messenger may be a witness over you.” 1 Since Allah made this nation—the nation of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him—a balanced nation, meaning chosen and just, He distinguished it with the most perfect laws, the soundest paths, and the clearest ways. He made His illuminating Book a guide to what is most upright and a call to what is most rightly guided and wise. As He, Glorified is He, says: “Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most upright and gives glad tidings to the believers who perform righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.” 2.

Allah did not send down this noble Quran so that people would suffer because of it. Rather, He sent it down so that through it they might attain happiness after which there is no misery, and guidance after which there is no misguidance. As He, Glorified is He, says: “Tā Hā. We did not send down the Quran to you to cause you distress, but only as a reminder for whoever fears, a revelation from Him who created the earth and the highest heavens—the Most Merciful, upon the Throne