Hadith #8105

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Satan is victorious over the one who has been overcome by his anger.

This Hadith highlights the destructive nature of anger and warns Muslims of the detrimental consequences it can have on their spiritual well-being.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (Zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means "victorious" or "triumphant." (Ash-Shaytan) "الشَّيْطَانُ" refers to Satan, the accursed one. (Biman) "بِمَنْ" means "over" or "upon." (Malakah) "مَلَكَهُ" refers to one's self-control or ability to restrain oneself. Finally, (Ghadabuhu) "غَضَبُهُ" translates to "his anger."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of anger in several ayats. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

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 ayat emphasizes the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This ayat teaches us to respond to anger and harshness with peace and calmness, rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by anger.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic ayats, we understand that anger is a tool that Satan uses to gain control over individuals. When a person allows their anger to overpower them, they become vulnerable to the whispers and temptations of Satan. This can lead to destructive behavior, strained relationships, and a loss of spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us of the dangers of anger in this Hadith. He reminds us to exercise self-control and to resist the urge to give in to anger. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the influence of Satan and maintain our spiritual strength.

It is important for Muslims to reflect on this Hadith and strive to control their anger. We should remember that anger is a natural emotion, but it is our responsibility to manage it in a way that is pleasing to Allah. By seeking refuge in Allah from the whispers of Satan and practicing patience and forgiveness, we can overcome the destructive nature of anger and maintain our spiritual well-being.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our anger and protect us from the influence of Satan. May He guide us to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.