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

CULTURE OF COMPASSION of gratitude. That is why the Quran often links gratitude with patience (31:31). Patience enables a person to discover superior, empowering solutions to problems. If someone becomes agitated and confrontational when facing opposition, they lose the ability to think clearly and respond wisely. But if they remain calm and composed, they become capable of thinking strategically and taking well-planned actions instead of reacting impulsively. And history has shown again and again that impulsive reactions lead to failure, while thoughtful responses bring success. Patience is the superior solution to every kind of problem. THE PATH OF MODERATION The Prophet of Islam said: “The best of actions are those in moderation.” (Shu’ab al-Iman by al-Bayhaqi, Hadith No. 6229) A statement attributed to ‘Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam, also says: “Follow the middle path.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 2, p. 154) By “moderate action” is meant a balanced and well-measured approach. One example of this in the Quran is the verse: “Be neither miserly, nor so open-handed that you suffer reproach and become destitute.” (17:29) Elsewhere, the Quran states: “They are those who are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but keep a balance between the two.” (25:67)