Islam: Religion of Ease

In the name of Allah the most kind most merciful

Islam is religion of ease which means it is easy and simple in its beliefs, morals and deeds, in its actions and abstentions as Allah Almighty said: “Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you” (2:185).

It was reported that Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said that:

“Whenever Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was given the choice of one of two matters, he would choose the easier of the two, as long as it was not sinful to do so, but if it was sinful to do so, he would not approach it (Sahih al-Bukhari, 69)

There many ahadeeth that the prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:

 “Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm with glad tidings and do not repulse them (Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhari,152).

“Religion is easy, and no one overburdens himself in his religion but he will be unable to continue in that way. So do not be extremists, but try to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded. Gain strength by worshipping in the mornings and afternoons and during the last hours of the night” (Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhari, 39).

The meaning of this hadeeth is that it is not allowed to go to extremes in religion, by overburdening oneself with acts of worship that one cannot do except with extreme hardship. This is what is meant by the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “No one overburdens himself in his religion but he will be unable to continue in that way”, means, religion is not to be approached in an extreme manner, and whoever does that will be defeated. He (Peace be upon him) once said to his close companion Abdullah ibn Amr: “Have I heard right that you fast everyday and stand in prayer all night?” Abdullah replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do not do that. Fast, as well as, eat and drink. Stand in prayer, as well as, sleep. This is because your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guest has a right upon you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 127).