Controlling Oneself During Anger

Author: Fazeelat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (Hafidhahullah)

Hadith Reference

لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ

"A strong person is not the one who overcomes others in wrestling, but the one who controls themselves during anger."
— [Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab: 6114]

Key Points

The Danger of Anger:
Anger is one of the most destructive traits in human behavior. During moments of rage, a person may lose awareness of Allah’s limits and their own benefit or harm. Anger opens the door for Shaytan to exert his influence, making the individual act in ways that contradict faith and dignity.

True Strength in Islam:
In Islam, true strength is not measured by physical prowess but by the ability to restrain oneself during anger. The Hadith emphasizes that controlling one’s temper is a sign of spiritual strength and maturity.

Prophetic Guidance on Anger

Avoiding Anger:
A man once requested the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for advice. The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"Do not get angry."
The man repeated his request multiple times, but the Prophet ﷺ consistently said:
"Do not get angry."
— [Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab: 6116]

Practical Steps to Manage Anger:
The Prophet ﷺ also provided practical advice on how to manage anger:
  1. Change Position:
    • If you are standing, sit down.
    • If the anger persists, lie down.
      — [Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Adab: 4782]
  2. Seek Refuge in Allah:
    • Recite "A'udhu billahi min al-shaytan ir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan).
  3. Perform Wudu (Ablution):
    • Anger is linked to fire, and Wudu helps extinguish it.

Islam’s Approach to Anger

  1. Control, Not Suppression:
    Islam does not demand the complete eradication of anger since it is a natural emotion. Instead, it encourages believers to channel anger constructively and control it to avoid harmful actions.
  2. Avoid Rash Actions:
    During anger, a person may act in ways that are harmful to their relationships, reputation, and spirituality. Therefore, maintaining composure is essential.
  3. Maintain Dignity:
    Acting out of anger often leads to regret. By controlling anger, a person upholds their dignity and avoids actions that conflict with Islamic principles.

Conclusion

Anger is a powerful emotion that can lead to destructive consequences if left unchecked. Islam emphasizes the importance of controlling oneself during anger as a sign of true strength and faith. By following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, such as changing one’s position, seeking refuge in Allah, and performing Wudu, believers can manage their anger effectively and maintain their composure.
 
Back
Top