Moderation as Orthodoxy in Sunni Islam: Or, Why Nobody Wants to Be the Kharijite

Robbert Woltering discusses how moderation is a distinct intellectual category of social and political thought with a long and distinguished pedigree in classical Islamic history, as is evidenced in Islam’s political theory, key aspects of Sunni theology and the practice of Islamic law. While in modern times the prominence of the concept of moderation in the Muslim world has at times been obscured by binary categories of halal (allowed) and haram (forbidden), the principle of wasaṭiyya (moderation) continues to function as a treasure trove for Muslim scholars seeking orthodox ways out of debilitating absolutes. However, it will be shown that appeals to moderateness have also been claimed by the most radical organizations, including Islamic State. The chapter will give us reason to reflect on how we can avoid the concept of moderation ending up as an empty vessel of relativity.