The Importance of Controlling Anger
Anger is a powerful emotion, and if not controlled, it can have severe consequences. It can lead to loss of life, wealth, and even one’s religion. Sometimes, in a moment of anger, a person may say something that takes them far away from Islam and into the depths of hell.
Therefore, it is essential to learn how to control anger, as it can lead to harmful actions like sinning, lying, or even committing acts of violence. Controlling anger is necessary to protect both your worldly and spiritual well-being.
The Prophet's Simple but Powerful Advice
Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported: A man said to the Prophet ﷺ, “Advise me! “The Prophet ﷺ said,
لاَ تَغْضَبْ
“Do not become angry and furious.”
The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet ﷺ said in each case,
لاَ تَغْضَبْ
“Do not become angry and furious.”
[Saheeh al Bukhari, Kitaab al Adab, Hadith 6116]
Instead of giving a lengthy explanation, the Prophet simply said, “Do not get angry.” This brief advice, though simple, carries great wisdom. Scholars have highlighted that this one sentence encompasses all that is good for a person. By controlling anger, a person can avoid many harms in life, both in this world and the hereafter. Anger can lead to wrong actions, such as committing divorce, violence, or even saying something that takes a person outside the boundaries of Islam.
Anger is a dangerous emotion because it can cause a person to act impulsively and make serious mistakes. In a moment of anger, a person may wrong others, speak inappropriately, or break important boundaries set by Islam. Anger can sometimes lead to severe consequences, such as divorce or even disbelief. Hence, understanding how to control anger is crucial to maintaining one’s integrity, faith, and moral character.
Three Levels of Controlling Anger in Islam
Allah mentions in the Glorious Qur’an the qualities of those who are beloved to Him.
الَّذِيْنَ يُنْفِقُوْنَ فِي السَّرَّاۗءِ وَالضَّرَّاۗءِ وَالْكٰظِمِيْنَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِيْنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۭ وَاللّٰهُ يُـحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ
“Those who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good (Al-Muhsinoon)”
(Qur’an 3:134)
Three important qualities are highlighted here:
Extinguishing Anger – The first level is to control the anger that arises inside. Instead of letting anger take over, the person should extinguish it, not allowing it to manifest in harmful ways. This level focuses on the importance of not letting anger control you when provoked.
Forgiving Others – The second level is forgiving the person who caused the anger. Forgiveness involves not seeking revenge or punishment, but instead letting go of resentment and allowing the person to go without harm. Forgiving others is a powerful way to maintain peace and avoid further conflict.
Repelling Evil with Good – The third and highest level is to treat others with kindness and good manners, even in response to their bad behavior. This is the most noble level of character and is highly valued by Allah.
وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْـحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ۭ اِدْفَعْ بِالَّتِيْ هِىَ اَحْسَنُ فَاِذَا الَّذِيْ بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهٗ عَدَاوَةٌ كَاَنَّهٗ وَلِيٌّ حَـمِيْمٌ
And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a close friend.
(Qur’an 41:34)
The Power of Repelling Evil with Good
When a person responds to evil with goodness, they can create a powerful effect. Often, someone who initially acts out of anger or misunderstanding may begin to regret their actions when faced with kindness and nobility. The person who behaved badly may start to think, “These are good people, not bad,” and feel remorse for their actions. This response from you, rooted in divine guidance, serves as a reminder to them of their wrong behavior. When someone’s bad actions are met with good actions, they realize their own faults. They feel regret and begin to understand how low their behavior was. This can open their heart to listening to you and considering your perspective in the future.
Conclusion
Anger is something we all struggle with, but Islam gives us a beautiful way to handle it. Real strength isn’t about winning an argument or getting back at someone, it’s about holding back, letting go, and choosing kindness when it’s hardest. When we control our anger, we protect our relationships, our peace of mind, and most importantly, our faith. And the best part? Allah loves those who do this and promises them great rewards. So, by following these teachings, we’re not just keeping our tempers in check, we’re making our lives better and earning something far greater in the Hereafter.
