Hadith #8080

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best control is control over anger.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (milku) "مِلْكُ" in Arabic refers to control or dominion. It signifies having authority and power over something. In this context, it refers to the control that one has over their own self, particularly in relation to anger. The word (al-ghadab) "الغَضَبِ" means anger, which is a strong emotion that can lead to negative consequences if not managed properly.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, which is a characteristic of those who are beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse teaches us the importance of responding to anger with calmness and peace, rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by it.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the significance of controlling our anger. Anger, if left unchecked, can lead to harmful actions, strained relationships, and regrettable consequences. By exercising control over our anger, we can maintain harmony within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

Controlling anger requires self-discipline and self-awareness. It involves recognizing the triggers that provoke our anger and finding healthy ways to manage and channel this emotion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, understood the importance of mastering one's anger. He exemplified this quality throughout his life, even in the face of immense adversity.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-control and to seek refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when confronted with anger. By doing so, we can avoid hasty decisions, hurtful words, and actions that may harm ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our anger. It reminds us to follow the guidance of the Quran, which emphasizes the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and peacefulness. By mastering our anger, we can foster healthier relationships, maintain inner peace, and strive to be better Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to control our anger and to embody the noble qualities taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.