THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

Why is patience given such great importance? Because patience is the foundation upon which all noble human traits develop. It is through patience that moral character is cultivated—and moral character is the only true ladder to all forms of human excellence. Without patience, there can be no ethics; and without ethics, there can be no success. Human beings naturally appreciate good character. However, two forces often pull them away from the path of ethics: internal desires and external provocation. Sometimes a person is misled by their inner self; at other times, an external situation provokes them into abandoning good behaviour. Patience acts as a safeguard against both. The quality of patience and forbearance keeps a person within ethical limits and prevents them from crossing those boundaries. Patience is the completion of human character. It is what makes a person whole. Whoever possesses patience, possesses all virtues. But whoever lacks patience will, in the end, be deprived of all noble qualities. PAUSE, BEFORE YOU ACT In chapter 65 of the Quran, while outlining the laws related to marriage and divorce, a fundamental principle is mentioned: “God makes things easy for those who are mindful of Him.” (65:4) The renowned Quranic commentator al-Dahhak (d. 105 AH) explained this verse by saying: “If a person is mindful