Controlling Anger

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

Saaiduna Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that a man came to the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam and said, “Advise me!” The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “Do not become angry.”  The man asked (the same) again and again and the Prophet said in each case, “Do not become angry.”   (Sahih Bukhari)

1. Think of your shortcomings.  There is an aspect of egoism in anger whereby the angry person thinks to be superior and the other inferior.
2. Keep away form the object of anger.  This treatment is known to have been employed by the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam.  Wahshi had killed Saaiduna Hamzah Radiallahu Anhu, the uncle of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam in the Battle of Uhud.  Later Saaiduna Wahshi embraced Islam.  The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said to him “Do not come before my eyes because that reminds me of Saaiduna Hamzah Radiallahu Anhu and that might anger me.”
3. Remind yourself of Divine Punishment.  Once Saaiduna Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu was scolding his slave when he saw that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam who said “Allah has more power over you than you have over him.”  If one remembers Allah’s punishment then there is some softening of ones anger and the rage is pacified.    (Spiritual Discources – Mufti Taqi Usmani p.40 –p.41 v.3)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham