Anger usually grows out of frustration, helplessness, injustice or severe physical or mental pain; sometimes from a relative's remark, sometimes for no clear reason at all. The trouble starts when people give in to it and vent through shouting, insults or violence. Protidiner Sangbad's Islam and Life page therefore stresses self-restraint.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said the strong man is not the one who overcomes others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself when angry (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). The Quran praises those who restrain their anger and pardon people, saying Allah loves those who do good (Surah Al Imran, verse 134).
The first advice is to seek refuge in Allah. The companion Sulaiman ibn Surad related that two men were abusing each other and one's face had turned red with rage. The Prophet said that if he said "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaitan ir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan), his anger would leave him (Sahih Bukhari).
The second is to change position: if angry while standing, sit down, and if that does not help, lie down (Sunan Abu Dawud). The third is wudu; the Prophet said anger comes from fire, so whoever is angry should perform ablution (Sunan Abu Dawud).
The fourth is to stay silent. Harsh words spoken in anger often cannot be taken back and can wound deeply. The fifth is for those fasting: if insulted or attacked while fasting, say "I am fasting". When lack of sleep or hunger makes tempers short, saying it is a reminder of self-control.
The piece's point is that anger is a natural impulse, but controlling it is an important quality of a believer; Islam teaches patience, forgiveness and tolerance rather than indulging anger.
Source: Protidiner Sangbad
Comments
(0)