Page 106 - Quranic Wisdom - New.indd

A Course in Self-Control

Tolerance is not a passive attitude. Tolerance is an amalgam
of all kinds of noble values, such as exercising patience, giving
respect to others, forbearance, deep wisdom, and the willingness
to co-exist with others. These qualities are what make up a good
person. One who is lacking in the spirit of tolerance is bereft of
all kinds of human values.
Distraction from worthwhile objectives is a fatal lapse in any
man or woman, but the spirit of tolerance saves one from such
deviation. One who is tolerant will certainly be spared unpleasant
situations, while one who is intolerant will find himself involved
in all manner of things that are not to his liking. Individuals who
are intolerant, both men and women, are bound to ruin their
lives—partially if not totally.
Tolerance means giving a well-considered response in any
given situation. It is the sign of a sound mind. A person of sound
mind is one who refrains himself from instant reaction, who tries
to examine the situation, who judges the pros and cons of his
actions, and only then does he give his response. This is the spirit
of tolerance; and tolerance is the sign of a wise person.

A Course in Self-Control

n the chapter Al-Baqarah (The Heifer) of the Quran, believers
Iare enjoined to fast during the month of Ramadan, fasting being
one of the five pillars of the religion of Islam. The translation of
the relevant verse is as follows:
Believers, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as
it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may
guard yourselves against evil. (2:183)
What is meant by fasting? In this context, it is to abstain

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