Hadith #162

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense strength and power that one can attain when they control their anger for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sinan) "سِنَانَ" in Arabic refers to the teeth, and (al-ghadab) "الْغَضَبِ" means anger. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) metaphorically uses the image of sharpening the teeth of anger to emphasize the need for self-control and restraint. By restraining one's anger, a person acquires the strength and ability to confront and overcome the staunchest opponents of falsehood and injustice.

This concept of controlling anger is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. 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 controlling anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When a person restrains their anger for the sake of Allah, they not only gain strength but also earn the love and pleasure of their Lord.

Furthermore, the Quran also teaches us the virtues of patience and self-restraint. In Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us that true success lies in faith, righteous actions, and advising one another towards truth and patience. When faced with challenging situations that may provoke anger, a believer should strive to remain patient and exercise self-control.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of confronting falsehood and injustice. By controlling our anger, we gain the strength to challenge and overcome the most formidable opponents of truth. This strength is not limited to physical power but also encompasses intellectual and moral strength.

The Quran encourages believers to stand up against falsehood and injustice. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:39-40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought because they were wronged, and indeed Allah is competent to give them victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.' And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

These verses remind us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants victory to those who are wronged and stand up for the truth. By controlling our anger and channeling it towards the eradication of falsehood, we can become strong advocates for justice and defenders of the oppressed.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our anger for the sake of Allah. By restraining our anger, we acquire the strength to confront and overcome the staunchest opponents of falsehood and injustice. This strength is not limited to physical power but also encompasses intellectual and moral strength. The Quranic verses provided further emphasize the virtues of controlling anger, patience, and standing up for truth and justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our anger and use it in the pursuit of righteousness.