Hadith #8119

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, and his noble companions.

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

مَنِ اغْتَاظَ عَلَى مَنْ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَيْهِ مَاتَ بِغَيْظِهِ۔

This Hadith highlights the consequences of getting angry at someone over whom we have no control or power.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (igh'thatha) "اغْتَاظَ" refers to becoming angry or enraged. It signifies a state of intense emotion and loss of control. The word (ala) "عَلَى" means "upon" or "towards." It implies directing anger towards someone. The phrase (man la yaqdiru 'alayhi)

مَنْ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَيْهِ

translates to

one whom he has no power over.

It refers to a person over whom we have no authority or control. Finally, the word (mata) "مَاتَ" means "dies" or "perishes," and (bi ghayzihi) "بِغَيْظِهِ" means "with his rage."

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Those who restrain their anger and pardon people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our anger and forgiving others. It reminds us that Allah loves those who possess these qualities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fussilat (41:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better, then the one who was once your enemy may become your dearest friend.

This verse teaches us to respond to negativity with kindness and goodness, as it has the power to transform animosity into friendship.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, warns us about the destructive consequences of getting angry at someone over whom we have no control. When we direct our anger towards such individuals, we are essentially wasting our energy and emotions on something that will yield no positive outcome. Instead of harboring anger, Imam Ali advises us to channel our emotions towards more productive and beneficial endeavors.

Imam Ali's beautiful saying holds significant lessons for us as Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of self-control and the need to focus our energy on matters that we can influence positively. By restraining our anger and forgiving those who may have wronged us, we embody the qualities that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves. This Hadith encourages us to adopt a mindset of patience, forgiveness, and understanding, which are essential for maintaining harmonious relationships within our communities.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the virtues of controlling anger and responding to negativity with kindness. By aligning our actions with these teachings, we can cultivate an environment of love, compassion, and unity among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the futility of getting angry at those over whom we have no power. It urges us to control our anger, forgive others, and focus on more productive endeavors. By doing so, we embody the teachings of the Quran and contribute to the creation of a peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.