The last of the four rightly guided caliphs, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) once said,
"patience in a moment of anger, can save many moments of regret."
Anger is an emotion that often times brings out the worst in us. It not only weakens our iman, but it leaves us in an uneasy state. When angry, we release fumes attracting shaytan to enter our realm. He thrives on our anger and forces us to do things we end up regretting. A man once came to our beloved Rasulullah (S) asking for advice, and the Prophet (S) said:
"Do not become angry and furious." The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet (S) said in each case, "Do not become angry and furious."
Our sunnah teaches us many ways to combat or control our anger.
- Rasullulah (S) advised us to first seek refuge in Allah (swt) by saying, A'oodhu billaahi min al-shaytaan (I seek refuge with Allah from shaytan).
- Rasullulah (S) advised us to keep silent. He said,"If any one you gets angry, let him keep quiet."
- Rasulullah (S) advised us, "if any of you become angry and is standing, let him sit down, so his anger will go away; if it does not go away, let him lie down."
- Rasulullah (S) advised us to make wudu or ghusl--which allows your heated body and mind to cool down.
- Rasulullah (S) lastly advised us to make dua when anger overcomes us. Making dua in this state is the believers strongest shield against shaytan.
Allah (swt) promised that one who controls his or anger will be greatly rewarded.
The Prophet (SAW) has told us about this great reward:
“Whoever suppresses his anger at the time when he could express it openly, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Tabaraani).
SubhanAllah, many of us are aware of what our beloved Rasulullah (S) taught us regarding anger, yet only few of us implement these actions into our lives.
Insha'Allah this week, let us all try to keep calm in a moment of anger, for it will prevent many moments of regret.