TAFRÎT – تفريط

Etymology & Literal Meaning: Derived from the Arabic root f-r-t (فرط), tafrît literally denotes exceeding or falling short of a limit, neglecting a duty, lagging behind or failing to reach the proper measure and balance set by hikmah.

As an Islamic Term: Tafrît is the state of deficiency, wherein a faculty, sentiment, or power (quwwa) bestowed by Allah is suppressed or not employed on its purpose determined by the Sharî’ah. When man fails to guide his faculties, sentiments, or powers (quwwa) through the tarbiyyah of the Sharî'ah and plunges into tafrît or ifrât (excess), he cannot fulfil the purpose of creation.

Tafrît represents the destructive deviation that destroys the balanced middle way (wasat), which is justice (‘adl) and hikmah. Paired with its counterpart ifrât, it constitutes the two primary deviations from as-sirât al-mustaqîm, the path of Sunnah.

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