How to Control Anger in Islam: In the Islamic faith, maintaining control over one’s emotions, including anger, is emphasized as a key aspect of personal and spiritual development. Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can lead to negative consequences and strained relationships. So it is better to learn How to Control Anger in Islam. This article will explore the teachings of Islam on anger management and provide practical guidance on how to control anger in accordance with Islamic principles.
How to Control Anger in Islam
1) Recognize the Source of Anger:
Islam teaches that anger originates from Satan, who seeks to exploit this emotion to lead humans astray. Understanding this fundamental concept can help individuals realize that succumbing to anger plays into Satan’s plan. By recognizing the source, Muslims are encouraged to strive for control over their emotions and resist the temptations of anger.
2) Seek Refuge in Allah:
When confronted with anger, Muslims are advised to seek refuge in Allah, the Most Merciful and Wise. This involves turning to prayer and supplication, asking for guidance, strength, and patience. By remembering that Allah is the ultimate source of tranquility and control, Muslims can find solace and a sense of purpose in overcoming their anger.
3) Embrace Patience and Forbearance:
Islam places great emphasis on patience and forbearance in the face of adversity, including anger-provoking situations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as a role model in demonstrating patience and forgiving those who caused him distress. Muslims are encouraged to follow his example, understanding that patience leads to inner peace and improves relationships with others.
4) Utilize Remembrance and Reflection:
Engaging in remembrance and reflection through the recitation of Quranic verses and supplications can have a calming effect on the mind and soul. Muslims are encouraged to recite verses that promote tranquility and self-control, such as Surah Al-Asr (Chapter 103, The Declining Day). Regular reflection on the teachings of Islam helps individuals gain perspective, prioritize righteousness, and diminish the intensity of anger.
5) Communicate Wisely:
In Islam, effective communication is highly valued. When anger arises, Muslims are encouraged to exercise restraint and choose their words carefully. Islam promotes the use of gentle and respectful speech, as harsh and hurtful words can escalate conflicts and deepen resentment. Choosing peaceful and constructive communication channels can help prevent anger from getting out of control and contribute to resolving conflicts amicably.
The prophet said, in an authentic hadith reported by Imams At-Tirmithi and Ibn-Majah, that,
“A person may say a word that is pleasing to Allah (S.W.T.) and he may not think much of it, but Allah (S.W.T.) will, (because of that word), bestow his pleasure upon him on the Day of Judgment, and a person may say a word that is displeasing to Allah (S.W.T.), and he may not think much of it, but Allah will have, (because of that word) put his wrath and anger on him on the Day of Judgment.”
6) Engage in Physical and Mental Exercises:
Islam encourages Muslims to engage in physical and mental exercises that promote self-discipline and emotional stability. Regular physical activities such as prayer, fasting, and voluntary acts of worship help maintain self-control and manage anger. Furthermore, seeking knowledge, reading beneficial Islamic literature, and surrounding oneself with positive influences contribute to developing a balanced mindset and emotional well-being.
7) Stay Quiet
Shaitan encourages us to act irrationally, saying and doing things we’ll later regret. In order to calm ourselves down, our faith advises us to keep quiet, look away from the other person, and drink some water.
8) Make Wudu and ask Allah (SWT) for refuge.
We must also try diverting our thoughts in order to avoid giving in to our rage. The most effective approach to do that is to make Wudu and beg Allah (SWT) for forbearance.
Make Wudu and ask Allah (SWT) for refuge.
Also Read: How to do Wudu: A Step-by-Step Guide
9) Keep in Mind the Rewards
Allah (SWT) does, in fact, love people who restrain their tongues and seek peace. Our minds can calm down just by recalling that we shall be richly rewarded in this life and the Hereafter for restraining our wrath.
Therefore, let’s take a moment to gather our thoughts and consider the repercussions of our actions before speaking out of rage.
10) Switch positions
Sit down if you’re standing and feeling angry. If you’re sitting and feeling angry, lie down. it is a simple yet effective way to Control Anger in Islam. You somehow divert your attention from your imminent threat by doing something odd.
Dua to Control Anger in Islam
The following Dua can be recited to help us better manage our anger:
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطانِ الرَّجِيْمِ
“I seek refuge with Allah against Satan, the outcast.” – (Abu Dawud: 4781, Al-Bukhari: 6115)
What Quran Says about Anger
The Qur’an praises the virtue of restraint in anger. For instance,
1) “Those who spend (in Allah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress their anger and forgive people, and Allah loves such good-doers.” (3:134)
2) “And those who avoid the greater sins, and illegal sexual intercourse, and when they are angry, they forgive.” (42:37)
3) One of the attributes of the rightful owners of Paradise is stated in Surah Ash-Shura verse 37, as,
وإذا ما غضبوا هم يغفرون
“And when they get angry, they forgive.”
Hadith on Islamic Anger Management
Anger is the internal emotion that drives someone to exact revenge on another. Anger can occasionally become unbearable and challenging to control. As a result, in an islamic hadith on anger, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ليس الشديد بالصرعة إنما الشديد الذي يملك نفسه عند الغضب. (مسلم، ٢١٤٣)
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “A wrestler does not beat others, but a wrestler is the one who controls himself when he is angry.“ (Muslim)
Conclusion:
Controlling anger is an essential aspect of Islamic teachings, as it promotes personal growth, harmonious relationships, and spiritual well-being. By recognizing the source of anger, seeking refuge in Allah, practicing patience, engaging in remembrance and reflection, communicating wisely, and incorporating physical and mental exercises, Muslims can effectively manage their anger in accordance with Islamic principles.
Remember, controlling anger is a lifelong journey, and setbacks may occur along the way. However, by consistently implementing these strategies, knowing How to Control Anger in Islam, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals, Muslims can strive towards achieving a state of tranquility, peace, and spiritual enlightenment as they navigate their emotions in the light of Islam.
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