In Islam, the concept of balance or tawazun is one of the main principles taught to live life. Tawazun comes from Arabic which means balance. This principle teaches Muslims to achieve harmony between various aspects of life, be it spiritual, social, or material.
As humans, we are required to live our lives by maintaining balance in all aspects so as not to be excessive or deficient. This article will discuss what tawazun is in Islam, why it is important, and how to apply it in our daily lives.
What is Tawazun in Islam?
Tawazun is a principle of balance that emphasises the importance of not going overboard (ifrath) or being too negligent (tafrith) in life. This concept is reflected in many aspects of Islamic teachings, from worship to social interaction. Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:
‘And seek in what Allah has bestowed upon you (the happiness) of the Hereafter, and forget not your share in this world; and do unto others as Allah has done unto you.’ (QS. Al-Qashash: 77)
This verse emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between the needs of this world and the hereafter, so that a Muslim can live a blessed life.
Tawazun in Aspects of Life
1. Tawazun in Worship and the World
Islam teaches its followers to prioritise worship of Allah SWT, but not to forget worldly responsibilities. For example:
- Worship: Performing the five daily prayers, fasting, and other obligatory acts of worship to get closer to Allah.
- Worldly Responsibilities: Working, earning a living, and fulfilling family needs.
Rasulullah SAW said:
‘Verily your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your family has a right over you.’ (HR. Bukhari)
This shows that spiritual and material life must be in balance.
2. Tawazun in Morals
In social interactions, tawazun also means maintaining good relations with others without ignoring Islamic principles. Example:
- Not over-giving, but still being generous.
- Being firm without losing gentleness.
- Avoiding being selfish, but not so self-sacrificing that it is self-defeating.
3. Tawazun in Economics
In Islam, the concept of tawazun is also applied in economic life. This principle includes:
- Avoiding waste: Allah SWT does not like people who spend excessively. (QS. Al-Isra: 27)
- Giving zakat and charity: Helping the needy without forgetting the needs of the family.
A Muslim is taught to live simply, manage wealth wisely, and share sustenance with those in need.
4. Tawazun in Physical and Spiritual Health
Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body and soul. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“A strong believer is better and more beloved by Allah than a weak believer.” (HR. Muslim)
Therefore:
- Physical health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough rest.
- Spiritual health: Do dhikr, recite the Qur’an, and get closer to Allah.
Why is Tawazun Important in Islam?
- By maintaining balance, a Muslim can live a more purposeful and blessed life. Tawazun helps us avoid excessive worldly temptations.
- Achieving Happiness A balanced life creates true happiness, both in this world and the hereafter. When one is able to manage time between worship, work, and family, life feels more harmonious.
- Preventing Harm Imbalance can bring harm. For example, too much focus on the world makes us forget the afterlife, while too much focus on the afterlife without working can lead to economic hardship.
Tips for Applying Tawazun in Life
- Create a Daily Schedule Organize time for worship, work, and rest so that all aspects of life are well managed.
- Self Reflection Evaluate your daily activities. Have you given enough time to God, family, and yourself?
- Share with Others Don’t forget to share your sustenance through zakat, infaq, or alms. One easy way to give alms is through a trusted organization like Dompet Dhuafa.
- Balance Priorities Don’t focus too much on one aspect of life. For example, don’t just work without paying attention to your health or family.
As a philanthropic institution that focuses on empowerment, Dompet Dhuafa invites you to maintain tawazun in life, one of which is through social programs. You can channel your zakat, infaq, or alms to help those in need. By sharing, you not only ease the burden on others, but also get closer to Allah SWT.
Tawazun is a very important life principle in Islam. By maintaining a balance between the world and the hereafter, spiritual and material, a Muslim can live a life full of blessings and happiness. Let’s start implementing tawazun in every aspect of our lives, and don’t forget to share with others as part of that balance.
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