حياة السلف بين القول والعمل

Abu Sulayman al-Darani, may God have mercy on him, said: “Worship, in our view, is not about standing in prayer while someone else crumbles bread for you. Rather, begin by securing your two loaves, then worship.” He also said, may God have mercy on him: “If you find pleasure in reading, then do not bow or prostrate. And if you find pleasure in prostrating, then do not bow or read. Whatever an opening is granted to you in, then adhere to it.” [Al-Hilya (its abridgment) 3/189]

Moderation in worship and condemnation of extremism and fanaticism: Ibn al-Qayyim, may God have mercy on him, said: The early Muslims frequently mentioned these two principles—moderation in deeds and adherence to the Sunnah—for Satan smells the heart of the servant and tests him. If he sees in him an inclination towards innovation and a turning away from complete submission to the Sunnah, he leads him astray from adhering to it. But if he sees in him a keenness for the Sunnah and a strong desire for it, he commands him to strive and be harsh on himself, exceeding the bounds of moderation in it, saying to him: This is good and obedience, so do not be lax with those who are lax, nor sleep with those who sleep. End quote, with slight modification. Madarij al-Salikin 2/342

Moderation in worship, and condemnation of extremism and fanaticism: Abdullah bin Masoud, may God be pleased with him, said: Moderation in following the Sunnah is better than striving in innovation. [Al-Zuhd by Imam Ahmad / 293].

Moderation in worship, and condemnation of extremism and fanaticism: A man came to Abu Umamah, may God be pleased with him, and said: Someone came to me and said: Do as Abu Umamah does. Abu Umamah said: What can Abu Umamah do? I pray the five daily prayers, fast Ramadan, and three days of every month, and when the birds chirp, I raise my voice with them, meaning in the time before dawn. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 1/308].