2 Rulings on Personal and Sharʿi Anger in Light of Islamic Evidence
Derived from: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
In Arabic, ghadab (غضب) refers to an internal emotional state that arises upon witnessing something disliked or offensive. This manifests outwardly through facial expressions and reactive behavior. In Shariʿah, anger is categorized into two types, based on cause and context:
This includes anger that is:
✔ Islamically justified
✔ A sign of faith and honor
✔ Motivated by the desire to stop evil (munkar)
Such anger is a symbol of iman (faith) and is not only permissible, but often required.
“Whoever among you sees an evil (munkar), let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. And if he cannot, then with his heart — and that is the weakest level of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Bayān Kawn al-Nahy ʿan al-Munkar)
➊ Anger at munkar is a sign of living faith.
➋ Three levels of action are mentioned:
➌ Adjusting daʿwah style according to circumstances is allowed, but remaining indifferent to evil is condemned.
This type arises from personal issues, such as:
✔ Not cowardice
✔ Not a sign of weakness
✔ Rather, a mark of righteousness and nearness to Allah
Anger is not inherently haram or halal — its Sharʿi ruling depends on intention, context, and conduct.
✔ If driven by Allah’s pleasure, defense of deen, or protection of values, it becomes ʿibadah (worship).
✘ If based on self-interest, ego, or vengeance, it is condemned and sinful.
وبالله التوفيق
Derived from: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
❖ Definition of Anger (غضب)
In Arabic, ghadab (غضب) refers to an internal emotional state that arises upon witnessing something disliked or offensive. This manifests outwardly through facial expressions and reactive behavior. In Shariʿah, anger is categorized into two types, based on cause and context:
① Permissible (Sharʿi) Anger
This includes anger that is:
✔ Islamically justified
✔ A sign of faith and honor
✔ Motivated by the desire to stop evil (munkar)
◈ Examples:
- Feeling disturbed upon witnessing sin or immorality
- Experiencing faith-based jealousy for Islam
- Taking constructive action to remove evil
Such anger is a symbol of iman (faith) and is not only permissible, but often required.
✿ Supporting Hadith:
“Whoever among you sees an evil (munkar), let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. And if he cannot, then with his heart — and that is the weakest level of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Bayān Kawn al-Nahy ʿan al-Munkar)
✦ Key Points:
➊ Anger at munkar is a sign of living faith.
➋ Three levels of action are mentioned:
- By hand (authority or power)
- By speech (advice or correction)
- By heart (inner rejection)
➌ Adjusting daʿwah style according to circumstances is allowed, but remaining indifferent to evil is condemned.
② Unjustified (Personal) Anger
This type arises from personal issues, such as:
- Offense to ego or pride
- Personal loss, insults, or hurtful remarks
◈ Sharʿi Ruling:
- If the anger remains just and within limits, it may be permissible.
- If it leads to excess, oppression, or revenge, it becomes haram.
◈ Islamic Guidance:
- Islam encourages controlling personal anger.
- Forgiveness and patience are highly praised.
- Letting go of anger is:
✔ Not cowardice
✔ Not a sign of weakness
✔ Rather, a mark of righteousness and nearness to Allah
✿ Summary of Legal Principle:
- Uncontrolled personal anger → Haram
- Anger for Allah’s sake (against evil) → Permissible, even obligatory
- Neglecting to react to evil → Blameworthy in Sharʿi terms
Conclusion:
Anger is not inherently haram or halal — its Sharʿi ruling depends on intention, context, and conduct.
✔ If driven by Allah’s pleasure, defense of deen, or protection of values, it becomes ʿibadah (worship).
✘ If based on self-interest, ego, or vengeance, it is condemned and sinful.
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