Hadith #9848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the king becomes enraged, Satan takes control [over him].

This Hadith highlights the relationship between the ruler's anger and the influence of Satan. To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it contains.

The word "sultan" in Arabic refers to a ruler or a person in authority. It signifies someone who possesses power and control over others. The word "tasallut" means to take control or to dominate. And "shaytan" refers to Satan, the ultimate enemy of humanity who seeks to lead people astray from the path of righteousness.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of anger in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Those who control their anger and pardon others; Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and forgiveness, which are essential qualities for a just ruler.

Additionally, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:37), Allah states,

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse highlights the significance of restraining anger and forgiving others, even in challenging situations. It reminds us that anger should not lead to harmful actions or decisions.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When a ruler becomes enraged and allows anger to control their actions, they become susceptible to the influence of Satan. This means that their decision-making process may be clouded by negative emotions, leading to injustice, oppression, and the abandonment of moral principles.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, warns us about the dangers of unchecked anger in a ruler. He reminds us that a just and righteous leader should possess self-control, patience, and the ability to forgive. By doing so, they can avoid falling into the trap of Satan's manipulation and ensure that their decisions are guided by the principles of justice and compassion.

The consequences of a ruler succumbing to anger and allowing Satan to take control can be disastrous. It can lead to the oppression and mistreatment of the people under their authority, the disregard for the rights of others, and the erosion of trust and stability within society. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to be mindful of their emotions and to seek guidance from the teachings of Islam in order to make just and fair decisions.

As Muslims, we should reflect on this Hadith and strive to embody the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and self-control in our own lives. We should also hold our leaders accountable and encourage them to govern with justice and compassion, avoiding the destructive influence of anger and the manipulation of Satan.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for both rulers and individuals about the detrimental effects of unchecked anger. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, forgiveness, and seeking guidance from the teachings of Islam. By heeding this advice, we can strive to create a just and harmonious society, free from the influence of Satan and filled with compassion and mercy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to control our anger and guide our leaders to govern with justice and righteousness.