Anger is a natural human emotion, yet if left unchecked, it can lead to
impulsive decisions and strained relationships.
Islam, in its wisdom,emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and provides both
practical and spiritual guidance to help individuals master their
emotions, ensuring inner peace and harmony with others.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon them) offered simple yet
profound methods to control anger.
He advised seeking refuge in Allah from Shaytan, as anger often stems from negative emotions that
cloud one's judgment. He also recommended changing one's physical
state, if standing, then sitting; if sitting, then lying down, since this shift
can help calm the nerves.
Another powerful method prescribed by the Prophet is performing
ablution (wudu), for anger is like fire, and water extinguishes it.
Likewise, he advised maintaining silence, so that one does not utter
words in a moment of rage that they may later regret.
However, Islam does not only focus on managing anger in the
moment; it also encourages preventing it through cultivating patience
and forgiveness. In the Quran, Allah praises those who suppress their
anger and pardon others.
Allah, the Almighty, says :
"and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allāh loves the doers of good;"
(Quran 3 : 134, Surah Āl- ‘Imrān)
The Prophet Muhammad also redefined strength, not as physical
dominance, but as mastery over one's emotions. He said : "The strong
man is not the one who can overpower others; rather, the strong man
is the one who controls himself when he is angry." [Sahih Bukhari -
6114]
