Life often presents us with situations that test our patience and incite anger. However, in Islam, controlling anger is considered a praiseworthy trait and a sign of strong character. The Quran, Hadiths, and Prophet Muhammad’s life provide abundant guidance on managing anger.
Let’s explore “How to Control Anger in Islam” and learn how to harness patience and temperance, as prescribed in Islamic teachings.
The Importance of Patience
In your journey of how to control anger in Islam Patience is a virtue admired in every culture, but in Islam, it holds a unique and profound status. It is seen not just as a desirable attribute but as a shield that protects us from falling prey to impulsive anger.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the one who controls himself when he gets angry.” ( (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114)
This hadith places the power of self-control above physical strength, emphasizing that real power lies in mastering one’s emotions.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “If an individual gets angry while standing, allow him to sit down to cool down his anger; if it remains, have him lie down.”
Teachings From the Quran
Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the most used Surah for controlling anger. This Surah is the longest Surah in the Quran. This Surah provide us guidance not only related to faith and life but also teach us different ways of how to control anger in islam. Several verses in Surah Al-Baqarah talk about anger.
For instance, verse 135 says, “Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers) those who spend in Allah’s Cause in good times and bad, in anger and forgiveness.” Allah loves people who can keep their anger in check and forgive others. This verse makes that clear. This is just one word from Surah Al-Baqarah that can help us learn how to control our anger better.
The Quran provides timeless wisdom on managing our emotions, including anger. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah praises those who restrain anger and forgive others, “Those who spend (in Allah’s cause) in prosperity and adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men. Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” This verse not only underscores the importance of restraining anger but also directly correlates anger control and being a good-doer.
Another well-known choice for the best Surah for controlling your anger is Surah An-Nisa’. This Surah talks about many important things to us as Muslims, such as how to control our anger. Many lines in this Surah talk about anger directly. Line 36 says, “Worship Allah and don’t join anyone else in worshipping Him.
Do good to your parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and everyone else, and speak good words to everyone.” As this verse tells us, we should be kind to other people, even when we’re mad. Also, remember that everyone is flawed and has their thoughts. Let’s not forget that the next time we’re angry at someone.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Examples
Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) life is a beacon of guidance for Muslims, and his teachings on anger are enlightening. He demonstrated through his actions the essence of anger control.
On an occasion, a man asked Prophet Muhammad for advice, to which he simply replied, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his request several times, and each time, the Prophet reiterated, “Do not become angry.” This hadith emphasizes the significance of controlling anger in leading a righteous life.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Anyone who can keep their cool when someone treats them badly has beaten both their own Shaytaan and the shaytaan of the person who hurt them.”
The Prophet (SAW) said: “A strong man is not someone who can beat other people in wrestling. A strong man is someone who can keep their cool when they’re mad.”
Practical Tips from an Islamic Perspective
In light of Islamic teachings, here are some practical tips that can make one a better Muslim and help him to control anger:
Practice Patience: Strive to be patient, especially in stressful situations.
Deep Breathing: Prophet Muhammad advised taking deep breaths during times of anger.
Change Your Position: If you’re standing, sit down. If you’re sitting, lie down.
Silence is Golden: If you can’t say something good, it’s better not to say anything.
Ablution (Wudu): Performing ablution can help calm and soothe your anger.
Seeking Refuge with Allah from the Shaytan
Anger is seen as an open door for Shaytan (Satan) to instigate negative and harmful actions. Therefore, seeking refuge with Allah from Shaytan is recommended when feeling angry.
As narrated by Sulaiman B. Surad: “I was sitting with the Prophet (SAW), and two men were slandering one another. One of them was red in the face, and the veins on his neck were standing out. The Prophet said, ‘I know a word which, if he were to say it, what he feels would go away. If he said “I seek refuge with Allah from the Satan,” what he feels (i.e., his anger) would go away.'”
“Do Not Become Angry and Paradise Will Be Yours”
In a famous Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Do not become angry and Paradise will be yours.” This statement underscores the promise of a great reward—Paradise—for those who can control their anger. It serves as motivation for Muslims to practice patience and avoid anger.
Realizing the Consequences of Anger
Understanding the negative consequences of anger—both in this world and the Hereafter—can be a robust deterrent. Anger can lead to regrettable decisions, broken relationships, and health issues. Moreover, as Muslims, we know that unchecked anger can impact our spiritual standing and rewards in the next life.
Conclusion | How to Control Anger in Islam
We hope that now you know how to Control Anger in Islam. To manage anger, we are guided to practice patience, apply Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan, and reflect on the consequences of uncontrolled anger.
By doing so, we align ourselves with the beautiful Islamic principle of moderation, contributing to our personal development and the betterment of our communities. Remember, each step toward controlling anger is closer to Paradise. So, let’s tread this path with patience, faith, and determination.