Islam teaches us to be moderate in all aspects of life, whether it’s religion, worship, relationships, ideas, or activities. Principled moderation is one of the defining characteristics of good character in Islam.

Allah says: {Thus, We have made you a justly balanced community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:143].

Moderation is the center point between two extremes. Every one of our virtues sits at the balanced center of two vices that stray from it. Our goal should be to find that center and always return back to it when we move away from it.

Moderation is equivalent to balance and justice. That’s because justice implies balancing rights, duties and setting everything in its rightful place.

Allah also asks us to moderate our actions: {Be moderate in your pace and lower your voice. Verily, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of a donkey.} [Surat Luqman 31:19].

Moreover, the Qur’an tells us: {And eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allâh) likes not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance)} [Surat Al-A‘raf 7:31].

Part of the eating etiquette of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is clear in this hadith; “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is enough for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going, but if he must (fill his stomach), then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for air.”

So it’s part of the Islamic Shari’ah to be balanced even with taking in nutrients. But have you ever wondered what would happen to your body if you exceed the normal levels of consuming quantities of life-sustaining chemicals like water and oxygen?

Let’s see in this interesting science video what can happen to you with slightly more water or oxygen: