Religious Moderation from the Hadith Perspective: A Thematic Study on the Values of Balance in Islamic Studies

Religious moderation (wasathiyah) is a key concept in Islamic teachings that emphasizes justice, balance, and the avoidance of extremism in practicing religious life. This study aims to examine the values of balance from the perspective of the Prophet Muhammad’s hadiths using a thematic (maudhu‘i) approach. The primary focus of the analysis includes the balance between worldly and spiritual life, ritual and social worship, as well as attitudes toward differences. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the role of hadiths in constructing a peaceful and inclusive Islamic narrative and their relevance in addressing challenges of extremism and intolerance. The findings indicate that the Prophet’s hadiths not only serve as normative guidelines but also embody values that can strengthen the discourse on Islamic moderation in a pluralistic global society. Therefore, a thematic study of hadiths on religious moderation is crucial for reinforcing tolerance, peace, and harmony among religious communities.