Hadith #3358

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

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

مَنْ خافَ اللّهَ لَمْ يَشْفِ غَيْظَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who fears Allah does not quench his anger [by taking revenge].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and seeking a higher path when faced with difficult situations.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (khaafa) "خافَ" means to fear or have awe of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies a deep sense of reverence and consciousness of Allah's presence. The word (Allah) "اللّهَ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who possesses all power and authority. The word (lam) "لَمْ" negates the action that follows, indicating that the one who truly fears Allah will not engage in that action. The word (yashfi) "يَشْفِ" means to quench or extinguish, and (ghayzah) "غَيْظَهُ" refers to anger or rage.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be found in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and seeking forgiveness. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] 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 those who control their anger and forgive others, as it is an act beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages the Prophet (ﷺ) to respond to ignorance with kindness and to avoid engaging in arguments or seeking revenge. It teaches us the importance of restraining our anger and responding to negativity with patience and wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to emulate the qualities of the pious and to seek a higher path when faced with anger or injustice. It teaches us that true fear of Allah leads to self-control and the ability to rise above our base instincts. Instead of seeking revenge or acting impulsively, a person who fears Allah will strive to respond with patience, forgiveness, and wisdom.

By restraining our anger and seeking a higher path, we can avoid the negative consequences that arise from acting out of rage. Taking revenge often perpetuates a cycle of violence and harm, whereas forgiveness and patience can lead to reconciliation and harmony. This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their own actions and to strive for self-improvement in order to maintain peace within themselves and in their relationships with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of controlling our anger and seeking a higher path when faced with difficult situations. It emphasizes that true fear of Allah leads to self-restraint and the ability to rise above our base instincts. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can strive to embody the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and wisdom in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our anger and to seek His pleasure in all that we do.