Hadith #8111

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

مَنْ أطْلَقَ غَضَبَهُ تَعَجَّلَ حَتْفُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who turns his anger loose hastens his [own] death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (atlaqa) "أطْلَقَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of releasing or letting loose. It signifies the uncontrolled and unchecked expression of anger. The word (ghadabahu) "غَضَبَهُ" means anger. It refers to a state of intense displeasure and indignation that arises in response to a perceived wrongdoing or injustice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of unleashing our anger without restraint. He states that such an act hastens one's own death. This does not necessarily mean a physical death, but rather a spiritual, emotional, and social demise.

The Quran provides us with guidance on how to control our anger and its destructive consequences. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the negative consequences of anger but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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

show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and patience in dealing with others, even in the face of ignorance or provocation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that uncontrolled anger can lead to severe consequences. When we allow anger to consume us, it clouds our judgment, impairs our relationships, and damages our overall well-being.

For example, when we respond to a provocation with uncontrolled anger, we may say hurtful words or engage in harmful actions that can irreparably damage our relationships with others. This can lead to isolation, loneliness, and a breakdown of trust.

Moreover, uncontrolled anger can also have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that chronic anger and hostility contribute to the development of various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and mental disorders.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to reflect on the consequences of unchecked anger and to strive for self-control and emotional intelligence. By practicing patience, forgiveness, and restraint, we can maintain harmonious relationships, preserve our well-being, and cultivate a peaceful and compassionate society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder of the dangers of uncontrolled anger. It calls upon us to restrain our anger, seek forgiveness, and respond to provocation with patience and wisdom. By doing so, we can avoid the hastening of our own spiritual, emotional, and social demise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to control our anger and to seek His pleasure in all our actions.