Anger is one of the evil whispers of Shaytaan, which leads to so many evils and tragedies, of which only Allaah knows their full extent. For this reason, Islam has a great deal to say about this bad characteristic, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described cures for this “disease” and ways to limit its effects. Islam puts great emphasis on human behaviour which includes the attainment of good manners and a positive outlook in daily routine. Allah says:
وَجَزَٰٓؤُا۟ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
“But [remember that an attempt at] requiting evil may, too, become an evil: hence, whoever pardons [his foe] and makes peace, his reward rests with God – for, verily, He does not love evildoers. “(Quran 42:40)
Anger, like fear, is a psychological condition, and cause of evil and aggressive actions. One who does not control his anger loses control of his mind. The enraged man cannot control his actions and harms and hurts himself and others. A faithful should have a strong will not become angry over everything but only when he sees evil deeds or corruption, which he should try to reform. Allah says:
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“Those who spend in [the] ease and (in) the hardship and those who restrain the anger and those who pardon [from] the people – and Allah loves the good-doers.” (Surah Al-Imran 3:134).
Among different sorts of negative attitudes that are forbidden in the Religion of Peace, anger is considered to be one of the most harmful and destructive kinds. Such is the great weight of avoiding the unconstructive feeling of annoyance that the Messenger ﷺ kept on advising that person to remain peaceful in harsh moments. Allah says:
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً قَالُوا أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“And when your Lord said to the angels, “I am creating successors on the earth.” They said, “Will You create on it those who will spread corruption and spill blood, although we celebrate Your praise and extol Your Holiness?” He said,” I know what you do not know.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30)
Anger can be like a fire. And you can’t possibly combat fire by another spark of fire, or pouring fuel onto it – this would result in a massive fire that would swallow everybody, including yourself. Whereas pouring water onto a fire will curb it, if not end it entirely. Having a calm, tolerant temper can combat anger like water extinguishes the fire. Shouting, yelling, and swearing when we are burst into anger doesn’t solve anything at all.
In the state of anger, keeps in mind his duties, rights and never oppresses anyone:
- Avoid anger, it is not a matter of power or ability
- Avoid sarcasm, though, as it can hurt feelings
- Avoid anger and give yourself short breaks
- Avoid to zealous seek help only from Allah
- Avoid anger that only wastes your energy
- Avoid anger and try to forgive the person
- Avoid anger state your concerns clearly
- Avoid lashing out and keep your calm
- Avoid anger that has bad effects
- Avoid to intense and let it go
- Avoid rage and keep the unity
- Avoid involving in the high stress
- Avoid reacting it make things worse
- Avoid anger that is an effect your health
- Avoid reacting with a calming statement
- Avoid anger take a pause before reacting
- Avoid anger feel free to delay your reaction
- Avoid anger and deal with it in a positive way
- Avoid to anger lightening up can help diffuse tension
- Avoid anger and do physical activity to reduce stress
It won’t bruise your dignity nor tarnish your image. You can end your presence in this situation. Whether physically or if it’s a phone conversation or a virtual presence with chatting, react later when you’re mentally ready to deal positively with the situation. Keep due distance from those ill-tempered people, regardless of the extent of their anger and the reason behind it. Don’t react in a manner that will signal hatred. Doing so will probably just exacerbate the anger and exasperate the situation. Allah says:
وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ عَن مُّوسَى الْغَضَبُ أَخَذَ الْأَلْوَاحَ وَفِي نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ
“And when was calmed from Musa the anger, he took (up) the tablets and in their inscription (was) guidance and mercy for those who [they] (are) fearful of their Lord.” (Surah Al-Araf, 7:154)
Controlling anger sometimes is very difficult. But forgiving others instead of acting according to one’s anger at such occasions is, in fact, an act of real bravery. It is quite a demanding task to suppress one’s emotions, particularly at the time of burning rage (anger). Anyone who bridles this angry horse and curbs his anger for the sake of Allah only embarrasses you because eventually, people will stay away from you. The best way to spend your emotions is by choosing not to be in anger. Allah says:
إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ
“Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to you an enemy, so take him (as) an enemy. Only he invites his party that they may be among (the) companions (of) the Blaze.” (Surah Fatir 35:6)
Anger can destroy one’s relationships, health, and sustenance. These destructions are caused because uncontrolled anger is from the Shaytaan and he uses it to wreck lives. Therefore we should be aware of the tricks of the devil, and control our anger. Allah Almighty promised a greater reward for in this world and in the hereafter for controlling anger.
Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:
- “. . . when they are angry, they forgive.” (al-Shooraa 42:37)
- “Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.” (Quran, 35:6)
- “those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.” (Surah Al-Fatiha, 7)
- “The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace.“ (Surah Al-Fatiha, 6)
- “There is no god but thou: glory to thee: I was indeed wrong!” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 87)
- “When the anger of Moses was appeased, he took up the tablets: in the writing thereon was guidance and Mercy for such as fear their Lord.” (Surah Al-Araf, 154)
- “…Those who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or adversity; who restrain their anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good.” (Quran, 3: 134)
Anger is a psychological state that results from inner agitation and desire for revenge. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah acted as a great example in dealing with others, keeping a smiling face and having a great temperament even in times of unlikeable occasions. Anger is the temptation of Shaytaan and also a root of all evils; it can weaken the person’s faith. Anger is a natural feeling experienced by every person caused due to displeasure and annoyance. Allah says:
وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“If an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surat al-A’raf 7:200)
Anger is a natural emotion that a person may express in a manner that could result in violence and destructive acts. We all should try to avoid anger as it is the disease of the soul and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also disliked this act. We are living in a world that is full of pressures that make us suffer from anger every time and can easily enrage negative emotions around us. We need to find at least solutions to reduce our negative emotions because they can easily provoke anger. Allah says:
أَفَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَ اللَّهِ كَمَن بَاءَ بِسَخَطٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَمَأْوَاهُ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ
“Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah Like the man who draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is in Hell?- A woeful refuge! “ (Surah Al-Imran, 3:162)
Allah loves those who control their anger and behave in well manners with other people. Allah will invite him before all His creation on the Day of Resurrection and will reward him by giving him the choice and option of choosing any one of the Huris (fair-coloured damsels of Paradise). May Allah benefit us from this opportunity. Ameen!