Hadith #8082

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to guard ourselves against the intensity of anger and to prepare for it by cultivating the qualities of restraint and forbearance. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (sawrat) "سَوْرَةِ" used in this Hadith refers to the vehemence or intensity of anger. It implies the state of being overwhelmed by anger, where one loses control over their emotions and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious of this state and advises us to guard ourselves against it.

To understand the importance of controlling anger, we can turn to the Quran. 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 significance of restraining anger and pardoning others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to prepare for anger by cultivating the qualities of restraint and forbearance. The word (a'iddoo) "أعِدُّوا" used in the Hadith means to prepare or make ready. It implies that we should equip ourselves with the necessary tools to combat anger when it arises.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us that patience and prayer are essential in times of difficulty and can help us overcome anger.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to fight against anger with restraint and forbearance. By practicing restraint, we can control our emotions and prevent ourselves from acting impulsively in moments of anger. This involves refraining from harsh words, physical aggression, or any other harmful actions that may result from unchecked anger.

Forbearance, on the other hand, refers to the ability to tolerate and endure difficult situations without losing composure. It involves maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of provocation or injustice. By practicing forbearance, we can respond to anger with wisdom and patience, rather than reacting impulsively.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prepare for anger by cultivating these qualities. By doing so, we can effectively combat the intensity of anger and maintain control over our emotions and actions. This not only benefits us individually but also contributes to a harmonious and peaceful society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard themselves against the intensity of anger. It highlights the importance of preparing for anger by cultivating the qualities of restraint and forbearance. By doing so, we can effectively combat anger and maintain control over our emotions and actions, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives.