Anger Management in Islam
Although anger is a natural feeling, it has its repercussions. It can destroy relations and have adverse effects on health. Anger is Satan’s trait. Hence, it can lead to atrocities and afflictions. Therefore Islam greatly emphasizes the emotion of anger and the ability to control it. Anger management will benefit you in your life.
Each one of us experiences the emotion of anger, but it is not appropriate if it overtakes us and enables us to act inappropriately and immodestly. This article highlights the importance of anger in Islam, how we get the best examples from Islam of self-control and what are the ways through which Islam guides us to control anger.
Importance of Anger Management in Islam
“Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during ease and hardship who restrain anger and who pardon the people- and Allah loves the doers of good.” (3:134)
Allah has considered restraining from anger as one of the best qualities of man. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him), the one who is able to control their anger is the one who is strong. Hence Islam has given great importance to the one who controls themselves in wrath and does not act furiously, resulting in negative consequences. We shall briefly throw some light on the instances that we get from Islam of anger management.
Prophet (peace be upon him); The greatest instance of possessing self-control
Our Prophet is the best example when it comes to treating people kindly. Even if he was in anger, he used to treat others justly and in a fair manner. He advised Muslims to “keep to gentleness and avoid harshness” (Muslim).
Allah has further described the messenger in the Quran in the following words;
“So by mercy of Allah, (O Muhammad), you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude (in speech) and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.” (3:159)
That is to say, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was patient, tolerant and forgiving when people used to attack him because of preaching Islam. His instructions to Muslims, according to the Quran, during times of war, depict his fairness and self-control;
“Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (5:32)
Therefore, we can say that in times of war, when the armies only care about their victory and are least bothered about the killing of several innocent lives, Allah ordered Muslims not to indulge in brutal killing and be wise and careful even during times of war.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) followed the same pattern and did not hurt anyone in his entire life. Either it was the woman who threw garbage in the Prophet’s way every day or the children of Taif who threw stones at him, the Prophet (peace of Allah be upon him) forgave everyone, even when he could clearly order Jibrael to destroy them.
The Instance of Hazrat Ali (RA)
One of the greatest instances that we recall in Islam is of Hazrat Ali (RA), representing the strength of his character by controlling his anger. During the Battle of Khandaq, the leader of the non-Muslim army, spat in Hazrat Ali’s face just before Hazrat Ali (RA) was about to kill him. Hazrat Ali stepped back as soon as the person spat, leaving the man alone without killing him, and saying;
“If I had killed you after you spat in my face, it would have been because of my personal anger and desire for revenge, which I do not wish to take.”
This is one of the biggest and most amazing instances in Islam of not just self-control, but it also depicts his force of character.
Ways of Anger Management according to Islam
Islam has guided us extensively on each and every aspect of life. Consequently, Islam has further guided us on how to control and suppress anger. It is the evil whisper of Shaitan. Hence, it can lead to unfavorable circumstances. There are several rulings by the Prophet (peace be upon him) on how to suppress anger and remain composed.
1. Seek Refuge in Allah
The basic and most important ruling on anger is to seek refuge from Allah. When it overpowers you, seek refuge in Allah by reciting the following opening Ayat of the Quran;
“I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan.”
Our Prophet has further commanded us to drink water and to sit down if we are standing or to lie down if we are sitting. This way the anger will gradually subside. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has stated;
“If a man gets angry and says “I seek refuge with Allah, his anger will go away.” (Muslim)
We have further been commanded to perform ablution in a state of anger.
2.Remain Silent
Silence is the key to several problems. Consequently, silence should also be adopted while in anger. It’s management is possible by remaining silent during an argument, but it saves us from the distress of going through anger and suffering because of it. Following incident of Prophet (peace be upon him) companion shows the importance of silence in anger,
Narrated Sa’id ibn al-Musayyab:
While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sitting with some of his companions, a man reviled AbuBakr and insulted him. But AbuBakr remained silent. He insulted him twice, but AbuBakr controlled himself. He insulted him thrice and AbuBakr took revenge on him. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up when AbuBakr took revenge.
AbuBakr said: Were you angry with me, Messenger of Allah?
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: An angel came down from Heaven and he was rejecting what he had said to you. When you took revenge, a devil came down. I was not going to sit when the devil came down. Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 4896
Reward of Anger management in Islam
The reward for suppressing anger is immense. Allah shall greatly reward such a person on Judgment Day. The one who controls their anger and do not indulge in fighting, while they have the right to do so, are the ones loved by Allah.
Conclusion
Anger is not the trait of a sincere and true Muslim. Anger management can save you from difficulties. We should promote positive emotions such as love, generosity, forgiveness and kindness. May Allah guide us towards the straight path and help us follow His commandments. You can control your anger by saying prayers ,reading Quran with Translation, Tafseer and Tajweed.