Hadith #10611

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ضَبْطُ النَّفْسِ عِنْدَ حادِثِ الغَضَبِ يُؤْمِنُ مَواقِعَ العَطَبِ۔

This can be translated as:

Self-restraint during times of anger saves one from situations that lead to harm.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (self-restraint) "ضَبْطُ" refers to the act of controlling and restraining oneself, particularly in moments of anger. It implies the ability to manage one's emotions and reactions, preventing them from escalating into harmful actions or words. This self-restraint is a crucial quality that every Muslim should strive to cultivate, as it helps maintain harmony and prevents the occurrence of regrettable consequences.

The term (the self) "النَّفْسِ" refers to one's inner being, including their thoughts, desires, and emotions. It is the part of us that can be easily influenced by external factors, such as anger. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining this inner self during moments of anger, as it is during such times that our judgment can become clouded, leading to regrettable actions.

The word (times of anger) "حادِثِ الغَضَبِ" refers to situations or incidents that trigger anger within an individual. It could be an insult, an injustice, or any other provocation that evokes a strong emotional response. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to exercise self-restraint precisely during these moments, recognizing that anger can cloud our judgment and lead us towards harmful actions.

To further understand the significance of self-restraint during times of anger, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

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 highlights the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By exercising self-restraint during moments of anger, we not only protect ourselves from harm but also earn the pleasure of our Creator.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of self-restraint is found in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful:

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 verse teaches us that the true servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are those who respond to harsh words with peace and tranquility. They exercise self-restraint, choosing not to engage in arguments or respond in a manner that may escalate the situation. This exemplifies the wisdom and self-control that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to embody.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds immense wisdom and practical guidance for Muslims. By practicing self-restraint during times of anger, we can avoid falling into harmful situations that may lead to regrettable consequences. It allows us to maintain our composure, make sound judgments, and respond to provocation with wisdom and patience.

Furthermore, self-restraint during moments of anger is a reflection of the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and the potential consequences of uncontrolled anger is evident in this statement. It serves as a reminder for us to follow in his footsteps and strive for self-restraint in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-restraint during times of anger. By exercising control over our emotions and reactions, we can protect ourselves from harmful situations and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This wisdom is supported by Quranic verses that highlight the virtues of restraining anger and responding with peace and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice self-restraint and embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives.