Anger Management and Forbearance
Anger is one of the emotional responses of humans, and if not controlled, it can create negative effects on individuals and society. Islam encourages controlling anger and being patient. Forbearance, which means gentleness and overcoming anger, is a virtue often emphasized by our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the hadiths, various recommendations are presented to protect oneself from the harms of anger and to adopt forbearance. These hadiths contain important lessons that will help Muslims lead a more peaceful and balanced life in their daily lives.
لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ
"The strong person is not the one who overcomes others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself in moments of anger."
True strength lies not in physical power, but in the ability to control oneself during anger.
مَنْ كَظَمَ غَيْظًا وَهُوَ قَادِرٌ عَلَى أَنْ يُنَفِّذَهُ، دَعَاهُ اللَّهُ عَلَى رُءُوسِ الْخَلَائِقِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَتَّى يُخَيِّرَهُ مِنَ الْحُورِ الْعِينِ مَا شَاءَ
"Whoever suppresses his anger while being able to act upon it, Allah will call him on the Day of Resurrection in front of all creatures and let him choose from the houris whatever he wishes."
Great rewards are promised in the Hereafter for those who control their anger.
إِذَا غَضِبَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَسْكُتْ
"When one of you becomes angry, let him be silent."
Being silent in moments of anger is a way to avoid wrongful words and actions.
إِذَا غَضِبَ أَحَدُكُمْ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ فَلْيَجْلِسْ، فَإِنْ ذَهَبَ عَنْهُ الْغَضَبُ وَإِلَّا فَلْيَضْطَجِعْ
"If one of you becomes angry while standing, let him sit down; if his anger does not go away, let him lie down."
Changing physical position can help in calming down anger.
مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent."
Thinking before speaking and saying good words are ways to protect oneself from the harms of anger.