The principle of Wasa?iyyah (moderation) and the social concept of Islam: countering extremism in religion

This paper discusses the principle of moderation (an aspect of al-wasa?iyyah) in the social concept of Islam, alongside Zh?ngy?ng (??), a similar concept that reflects the idea of moderation in Confucianism. The author emphasises on the concept of moderation in both traditions as a feasible platform to combat extremism in multi-religious and multi-racial societies. The author employs a qualitative methodology through which descriptive, comparative and textual analyses are applied on written materials related to the subject matter. Findings reveal that scholars of both traditions thoroughly deliberate the concepts in their discourses. Some of the shared universal values, such as justice, equilibrium, and forbearance can be found in both traditions and are useful in de-radicalizing potential and existing extremists