Patience is essential for both teacher and student. It is one of the Divine Names, or Attributes, and it is mentioned more often in the Koran than any other. A common Sufi metaphor for patience is that of ripened fruit. Unripe fruit tastes bitter and may cause indigestion. When the fruit ripens, it will become sweet and nourishing, and its ripened seeds will have the potential for rebirth.
— James Fadiman, Robert Frager, Essential Sufism by James Fadiman, editor, Robert Frager, editor