Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
9. The Prophetic Method
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and set in motion a series of events, which lead to
final success. Feelings run high when we have just
been wronged. If we take immediate action, we may
not be able to consider rationally what we should
do: rather, we may act on the basis of our emotions
at the time. Patience, on the other hand, leads us
coolly and objectively to consider all the
possibilities open to us, and the real nature of the
situation we have to deal with. We are then in a
position to pursue a sound and solid policy.
Impatience precipitates immediate action, to
contain the other party, while patience inclines us to
wait for the eternal laws of nature devised by God
to start working against our adversaries.
When we combat our enemy with impatience, we
are spurred on by superficial motives and base
emotions. We are bound to make mistakes and
errors of judgement, which only serve to weaken
our case. When one is patient, on the other hand, a
divine strength—intelligence—is born within us.
Our intellect is a most extraordinary source of
strength. It is able to look ahead, beyond temporary
obstacles and barriers, and plan for the future.
Intelligence frees one from negative impulses and
