4. Avoiding Extremism in Halal and Haram

After establishing the balance between encouragement and warning, Allah (swt) addresses an important aspect of religious practice – moderation in matters of permissibility and prohibition. This represents a key principle in Islamic jurisprudence, warning against the tendency to prohibit what Allah has made lawful.

Allah (swt) addresses the believers directly:

This verse establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic law – that the default ruling for beneficial things is permissibility. The term "طَيِّبَاتِ" (good things) refers to those pure and beneficial elements that Allah has already designated as lawful. The prohibition against prohibiting these things addresses a tendency that existed among some pre-Islamic Arabian tribes who would arbitrarily declare certain foods, drinks, or practices forbidden without divine sanction.

Allah (swt) continues with a comprehensive directive about consumption:

This verse establishes two essential criteria for consumption in Islam: the food must be both "حَلَالًا" (lawful) and "طَيِّبًا" (good/pure). The concept of "طَيِّب" extends beyond mere legal permissibility to encompass wholesomeness, cleanliness, and healthfulness. This dual requirement ensures that Muslims consider both divine law and natural benefit in their consumption choices.

The divine wisdom behind these principles is profound. Islam establishes itself as a religion of moderation (wasatiyyah), rejecting both excessive laxity and extreme strictness. While certain harmful substances are prohibited (like blood, carrion, and intoxicants) for valid health and spiritual reasons, the vast majority of creation remains permissible as a manifestation of Allah's bounty.

In Islamic jurisprudence, there is an established principle that everything is permissible by default unless explicitly prohibited by divine evidence. This contrasts with only two categories where the default ruling is prohibition: intimate relations between genders (which require the contract of marriage to become lawful) and the consumption of animal flesh (which requires proper Islamic slaughter to become permissible).

This approach protects believers from the type of religious extremism that makes life unnecessarily difficult. By establishing clear boundaries while maintaining a wide sphere of permissibility, Islamic law creates a balanced system that acknowledges human needs while protecting from harmful excesses.

The command to "fear Allah in whom you believe" at the conclusion of verse 88 serves as a reminder that our consumption choices are not merely personal preferences but aspects of our accountability to Allah (swt). The believing consumer must consider not only what satisfies personal desire but what pleases the Creator.