WASAT – وسط

Etymology & Literal Meaning:

Derived from the Arabic root w-s-t (وسط), wasat fundamentally denotes the middle, center, core, or midpoint of something. In its concrete and historical usage among the Arabs, it originally referred to the most excellent, central and protected part of a thing — such as the heart or center of a tent, valley, or group — which is at an equal distance from all extremes and thus the most secure, honourable and balanced position. From this physical core, the word wasat extends lexically to mean fair, equitable, of middle status and choice, or best, as it is employed by the Qur’an in the âyah (2:143):

وَكَذٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ اُمَّةً وَسَطاً لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيداً

"Thus We have made you a justly balanced ummah (ummatan wasatan) so that you may be witnesses over humanity, and the rasûl may be a witness over you."

As an Islamic Term: Wasat is the station of istiqâmah, justice ('adl) and hikmah. It is the balanced perfect middle way ordained by Allah, constituting as-sirât al-mustaqîm. Far from being a passive compromise between two errors, wasat is an active, dynamic state of equilibrium where every faculty, sentiment, or power (quwwa) granted by Him is guided through the tarbiyyah of the Sharî'ah to fulfill its intended purpose. It stands as the absolute antithesis to the destructive deviations of ifrât (excess) and tafrît (deficiency). While wasat represents the balanced center of equilibrium among extremes, istiqâmah is the steadfast, unwavering march along as-sirât al-mustaqîm.

(For further explanation, please refer to the compilation on As-sirât Al-mustaqîm.)