True Strength in Islam: Controlling Anger Over Physical Power

Written by: Shaykh Abdul Salam bin Muhammad (May Allah preserve him)

Hadith
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ), he said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"The strong person is not the one who overpowers others, rather, the strong person is the one who controls himself when angry." [Muttafaq 'alayh (Agreed upon)]
References:
[Bukhari 1612], [Muslim: Al-Birr wa As-Silah 107]

Additional References:
See Tuhfat al-Ashraf [332/9], [14/10]

Explanation of Words:

  • Al-Sura'ah (الصرعة) – With a damma on ṣād, fatha on , and ʿayn, like the word "هُمَزَة" (one who knocks others down through their strength). If has sukūn (الصُّرْعَةُ), it means a person who gets knocked down by others. Similarly, words like "ضُحْكَةٌ" (one who others laugh at), "خُدْعَةُ" (one who is deceived by others). The ending "تا" indicates an emphasis, not femininity.

Benefits​

Praise for Controlling Anger in the Quran
Allah has praised those who control their anger in the Quran:
(42:37)
"And those who avoid major sins and acts of indecency, and when they are angry, they forgive."
And He said:
(3:134)
"Those who spend in prosperity and adversity and restrain their anger."

Story from Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ)
Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) passed by some people who were wrestling. He asked: "What is happening?" They said: "This person defeats anyone he wrestles." The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "Shall I not inform you of someone even stronger than him? It is the person who, when provoked by another, controls his anger and overcomes it, thus defeating both his own devil and the devil of the one who provoked him." [Narrated by Al-Bazzar with a Hasan (sound) chain, Fath al-Bari, Book of Manners, Chapter 76]

In Sahih Muslim, Ibn Mas'ud (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"Whom do you consider to be a strong man?" They replied: "The one whom others cannot defeat." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The true strong man is the one who controls himself when angry."

Methods to Control Anger Taught by the Prophet (ﷺ)
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught several methods to control anger. First, it is important to understand that anger is often incited by Satan, and thus its remedy is to seek refuge in Allah from Satan. Allah says:

(7:200)
"And if a whisper comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing."

Sulaiman bin Surad (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated:
"I was sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ) when two men were insulting each other. One of them had turned red and his veins were swelling. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'I know a word that, if he says it, what he feels will go away: ‘أعُوذُ بِاللَّـهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ’ (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan).” [Bukhari 3282]

From Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"When any of you gets angry, let him remain silent." [Ahmad - Sahih Al-Jami' 693]

Abu Dharr (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"If any of you gets angry while standing, let him sit down. If the anger leaves him, good; otherwise, let him lie down." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban, Sahih Al-Jami' 694]

True Strength Lies in Controlling One’s Self
This Hadith indicates that true strength is not physical but rather inner strength. Just as one needs strength to confront external enemies who oppose the religion of Allah, similarly, when the self opposes the commands of Allah—especially when it is incited by anger and Satan continues to fuel it, urging one to abuse, strike, or even kill—controlling oneself is a greater challenge. At such times, overcoming oneself is akin to defeating multiple opponents. Thus, a true warrior is one who controls himself.

Anger as a Natural Trait and Its Proper Channeling
Anger is a natural trait, and controlling it is required when it leads to the violation of Allah’s commands. However, if anger arises for the protection of Allah’s commands, to stop disobedience, or to combat the enemies of Allah, then it is praiseworthy and a great blessing from Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) would also become intensely angry when he saw the commands of Allah being violated. Imam Bukhari (رحمہ اللہ) has recorded five Hadith on this subject in his Sahih, see: Book of Manners, Chapter on What is Permissible of Anger and Harshness for the Sake of Allah.
Allah says:
(9:73)
"O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh with them."
 
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