Hadith #8090

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Al-ghadabu 'aduwwun, fala tumallikhu nafsaka.

This translates to,

Anger is an enemy, so do not let it control you.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of anger and advises Muslims to guard themselves against its control.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of anger in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous 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. It teaches us that those who control their anger and forgive others are beloved to Allah. By doing so, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah but also create a harmonious and peaceful society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that anger is an enemy that can lead to destructive consequences. When we allow anger to control us, we lose our rationality and become prone to making hasty decisions and engaging in harmful actions. Anger can destroy relationships, damage our mental and physical health, and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

To illustrate the consequences of unchecked anger, let us reflect on the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Quran. When Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) returned from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the Ten Commandments, he found his people worshipping the golden calf. In his anger, Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) threw the tablets and seized his brother Harun (Aaron) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by the beard. However, Allah reminds Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) of the importance of controlling his anger and advises him to seek forgiveness. (Quran 7:150)

This incident serves as a powerful lesson for Muslims. It teaches us that even the most righteous individuals can succumb to anger, but it is our duty to recognize its destructive potential and seek forgiveness from Allah. By doing so, we can rectify our actions and strive to become better individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying not only highlights the negative consequences of anger but also serves as a motivation for Muslims to control their emotions. By recognizing anger as an enemy, we are encouraged to develop strategies to manage and overcome it. This can be achieved through self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and practicing patience and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the destructive nature of anger and advises us to guard ourselves against its control. By restraining our anger, forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness from Allah, we can cultivate a peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to control our anger and guide us on the path of righteousness.