The Prophetic Method

the time. On the other hand, patience leads us coolly and objectively to consider all the possibilities open to us and the fundamental 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. As a result, we are bound to make mistakes and judgement errors, which only weaken our case. On the other hand, a divine strength—intelligence—is born within us when one is patient. Our intellect is a most extraordinary source of strength. It can look ahead, beyond temporary obstacles and barriers, and plan for the future. Intelligence frees one from negative impulses and enables one to think profoundly, penetrating the very depths of a situation. There we discover secrets, allowing us to control our rivals from all angles. He becomes like the quarry caught in the huntsman’s net: movement only enmeshes him further and tightens the huntsman’s hold on him. The emigration from Makkah to Madinah exemplifies the Prophet’s patience. When the Quraysh decided to kill the Prophet, he had two options: take up his sword in selfdefence or leave Makkah for some safer abode. The Prophet adopted the second course of action. He coolly thought the situation over and decided to emigrate to Madinah, where