Anger is one of the most powerful emotions we experience as humans. It often comes from feelings of frustration, injustice, or even disappointment, and if we let it take control, it can hurt us and the people we care about. But in Islam, anger isn’t seen as something we need to suppress entirely or feel guilty about. Instead, it’s recognized as a natural part of being human. What matters is how we handle it. The Glorious Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer us guidance to not just manage our anger but also use those moments to become better individuals and draw closer to Allah.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Those who ….. restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good (Al-Muhsinoon)”
وَالْكٰظِمِيْنَ الْغَيْظَ
“And those who restrain / suppress their anger…”
(Qur’an 3:134)
Ibn Manzur, in his dictionary Lisan al-Arab, explains that Ghayz (الغيظ) means Ghadab (غضب) and both words are used to describe anger. In this verse, Allah highlights the importance of suppressing one’s anger. When we feel angry, we have the ability to control it, and Allah encourages us to do so.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Those who ….. restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good (Al-Muhsinoon)”
The Wisdom in Allah's Words
The verse above from Surah Aal-e-Imran is short, but it contains a deep meaning. Allah does not say, “And those who never get angry,” but rather, “And those who, when angered, swallow it.” Allah has created humans with the ability to feel anger. Anger is part of being human; it is a natural feeling. So, how can it be something to blame?
Some may wonder, “O Allah, You created this anger in me then why shouldn’t I get angry.” Yes, Allah created us with the ability to feel anger, but He also gave us the ability to control it. The key is not to avoid anger altogether but to choose and learn to manage it.
Think about a car. Allah made the car capable of moving forward, but He also placed brakes in it. The car can accelerate, but if you don’t press the brake, it may crash into something. The car moves forward, but if the brakes are not applied, it can cause harm. In the same way, anger can arise in us, but we have the power to “apply the brakes” by controlling it. Anger, like the movement of a car, is not bad in itself. The problem comes when we let it go unchecked and harm others.
The Praise is for Controlling Anger, Not Avoiding It
Allah does not scold humans for feeling angry. He does not say that a perfect person should never feel anger. Instead, Allah praises those who control their anger. This teaches us that anger in itself is not wrong; what matters is how we handle it. The true measure of a person’s character is in their ability to manage their emotions, especially when anger arises.
It’s like a person who is blind but takes great care of their sight. The perfection lies in controlling what could be harmful, even when the temptation to act otherwise is there.
The Righteous Servants: Controlling Anger and Forgiveness
In the same verse, Allah goes on to say:
وَالْكٰظِمِيْنَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِيْنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ
“And those who suppress their anger and forgive others…”
(Qur’an 3:134)
This shows that controlling anger is only the first step. The second part is forgiveness.
Suppressing anger means swallowing it, like when you hold something back you need to swallow it. Forgiving means letting go and not holding a grudge. And then Allah loves those who do good, who act kindly toward others, and He praises those who can forgive. This verse reminds us of how we should act when anger arises: control it and forgive.
And then Doing Good
Allah’s praise is for those who not only control their anger but also forgive others and show kindness. After anger arises, the next step is forgiveness. Instead of expressing anger toward others, a person forgives and moves forward with kindness. Allah says that He loves those who do good deeds, and these individuals are known as the “doers of good” (Al-Muhsinoon).
The process is as follows:
First, anger arises.
Then, it is controlled.
After that, forgiveness is granted.
Finally, kindness is shown.
This is the path that leads to Allah’s love. Allah Almighty has promised that He loves those who act with such goodness. May Allah grant us the ability to become such people.
Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه said:
“There is nothing that is swallowed greater with Allah in reward than a slave of Allah who swallows and contains his rancour out of desire for the pleasure of Allah.”
(You see, in the sayings of the righteous, there is Barakah (blessing)) This simple statement carries great meaning. Imaam al-Bukhari mentioned it in his book Al-Adab al-Mufrad. Shaykh al-Albaani explained that this narration is mauquf (a saying of the companion), and all its narrators are trustworthy. It has also been reported as marfu attributed to the Prophet ﷺ
The saying refers to the act of swallowing one’s anger. This small act holds great importance in the sight of Allah. In fact, there is no act more rewarded than swallowing one’s anger for Allah’s sake. There are two main points to consider: first, the act of swallowing anger itself, and second, the reason behind it. If anger is not controlled, it can lead to severe consequences. One may speak in anger, but the important question is whether it is done for the sake of Allah.
If a person swallows their anger for the sake of Allah, they will be rewarded immensely. The Prophet ﷺ said, in a marfu hadith, that the reward for controlling one’s anger for Allah’s sake is so great that no other act can compare to it. This reward comes because the act is done for the sake of Allah. When something is done for Allah’s sake, even a small act becomes significant. However, a large act done without the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure loses its value. A small good deed becomes great, while a large act can become small or even sinful if it is not done for the sake of Allah. This is the principle.
Conclusion:
Anger is a natural emotion, but what defines us is how we handle it. Left unchecked, it can cause harm, but when controlled, it becomes an opportunity for growth and reward. Islam teaches us that managing anger isn’t a weakness but a strength that earns Allah’s love. The Quran praises those who suppress anger, forgive, and act with kindness, reminding us of the virtues we should strive for.
This article has touched on the Islamic approach to anger, but there’s more to explore. In upcoming articles, we’ll discuss practical ways to control anger and remedies from the Qur’an and Sunnah. These teachings can help us transform anger into moments of patience and reward. May Allah guide us to embody these qualities and improve our relationships with Him and those around us. Aameen.
