Wisdom Over Haste: The Key to Success
Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
EC Exclusive
In today’s fast-paced world, where the astonishing inventions of modern technology have provided efficient and easy ways to solve the most difficult tasks, they have altered the natural rhythm of human behavior, fostering a habit of haste. It is human nature to desire to see the positive and beneficial results of any task before it is completed, but sometimes, this preoccupation with the outcome leaves the work unfinished. Thus, neither is the task completed nor is the desired result achieved, but rather all the effort made in haste is wasted. Every hasty step and rushed decision often leads to loss. The results of such decisions are not only unexpected but also leave a person with nothing but regret and remorse, to the point where there is no recourse but to lament.
The astonishing advancements in mobile technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), have given humans the dream of a god-like ability to create something out of nothing. These innovations have so ingrained haste and impatience in the human psyche that they have become a part of our nature. As a result, people spend hours watching short videos and reels on their mobile screens, as if this is the purpose of their lives. But when it comes to watching a half-hour video filled with knowledge or paying attention in a few minutes of an online class related to their future, they are so overwhelmed by restlessness and boredom that they are forced to yawn repeatedly and drowsiness begins to creep up on them.
This pervasive impatience mirrors a deeper truth about human nature, as highlighted in the Qur’an. The divine scripture describes mankind as inherently hasty, emphasizing the need to curb this tendency through conscious effort and divine guidance.
Haste is a fundamental weakness of human nature, often driven by overpowering emotions. It clouds judgment, leads to impulsive decisions, and results in regret and loss. Whether arising from anger, impatience, or the desire for immediate outcomes, haste disrupts rational thinking and affects personal, social, and spiritual well-being.
The Qur’an aptly describes this inherent human weakness:
“وَكَانَ الإِنسَانُ عَجُولًا” (الاسراء: 11)
And mankind has been created hasty.” (Quran 17:11) This verse from Surah Al-Isra clearly states the impatient nature of humans. However, this haste becomes detrimental when it influences conscious decision-making. Haste, driven by emotional impulses, often leads to regretful outcomes. Recognizing this, the Qur’an offers a profound solution to counteract its effects: “فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ” (طٰہٰ: 130(
“So be patient over what they say, and celebrate the praises of your Lord.” (Quran 20:130) Undoubtedly, patience and calmness lead to better outcomes.
Often, in a fit of anger, a person, carried away by his emotions, takes a hasty step or makes a hasty decision that later leads to regret and loss. In such emotional moments, foresight and wisdom are often forsaken, resulting in enduring consequences. In such a situation, it is beneficial to exercise patience, wisdom, and the principle of ‘better late than never’. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, condemning haste, said: > “التأنِّي مِنَ اللَّهِ والعَجَلَةُ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ” (جامع ترمذی)
“Patience is from Allah, and haste is from Satan.” (Jami’ut-Tirmidhi) This means that deliberation and patience are from Allah, while haste is the work of the devil.
Through his sayings, Allah’s beloved Prophet ﷺ clearly explained the evils of haste and the importance of deep thought. In another hadith, he said: “إِذَا هَمَمْتَ بِالْأَمْرِ فَتَدَبَّرْهُ” (مشکوٰۃ المصابیح)
“When you intend to do something, ponder over it.” (Mishkatul-Masabih) This guidance encourages us to adopt deliberation and wisdom in every matter, rather than haste, so that our actions are directed in the right path and their results are beneficial and long-lasting. Haste not only paves the way for wrong decisions but also deprives a person of consciousness and wisdom, which is a manifestation of Satanic influences.
Haste, a sign of emotional weakness and intellectual deficiency, leads to both worldly and spiritual loss. Moderation and balance are the best moral qualities. Human success lies in keeping one’s emotions under the control of reason. Haste negates this principle and confines the individual to the level of emotions. Islamic teachings consider patience and wisdom to be the highest virtues. Imam Ghazali (RA), describing haste as a “weakness of the soul,” said that a wise person is one who considers the consequences of their actions beforehand.
The secret to a successful and peaceful human life lies in moderation and balance. While haste complicates life’s decisions, decisions made with wisdom and patience always yield the best results. Allah Almighty has repeatedly emphasized the importance of patience in the Quran, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ counted patience among the best qualities of a believer. Therefore, it is essential to exercise contemplation, deliberation, and patience at every step. This is the path that guarantees success in both the world and the Hereafter.
