What is the difference between excessive strictness and following the Sunnah, given that many people say, "The religion is easy, so do not be too hard on yourself"?

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good. This questioner asks: What is the difference between excessive strictness and following the Sunnah, given that many people say, "The religion is easy, so do not be too hard on yourself"?

The Shaykh : Yes, excessive strictness is when a person obligates himself to do what is not obligatory for him, and when he is severe with himself. For example, if he says, "I will fast all the time," that is excessive strictness. Or if he says, "I will stand in prayer all night, every night of the year," that is excessive strictness. Or if he says, "I will not marry women," that is excessive strictness. Or if he says, "I will not eat meat," that is excessive strictness. Or if he says, "I will not wear new clothes," that is excessive strictness. Or if he says, "It is obligatory for me to raise my garment to the middle of the shin," that is excessive strictness. And so on. In other words, anything that goes beyond what is prescribed in terms of what a person worships Allah with is excessive strictness. As for what conforms to what is prescribed, it is commitment, not excessive strictness.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.