Realistic thinking is that which tallies exactly with reality; which is based on facts and events, and on firm arguments; which takes stock of all matters under discussion; which does not make concessions to anything unfair; which is completely free from prejudice.
In most controversial matters there can be both easy and difficult ways of resolving the problem. Treading the path of facility usually eases matters, whereas treading the path of difficulty can cause matters to flare up with even greater intensity.
Unrealistic thinking is that which does not take the actual state of affairs into account, which is based on suppositions and conjecture, on mere opinion, rather than on fact.
The Quran makes it clear that a strong, adverse, emotional reaction such as anger does not befit the true believer, and instead cites as a mark of excellence the quality of forgiveness: “When they become angry, they are forgiving.” (42:37)
