Hadith #4690

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, "كَفى بِالسَّخَطِ عَناءً۔" which translates to

Displeasure is enough of a suffering.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense impact and consequences of harboring displeasure or anger within oneself.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (sakhata) "سَّخَطِ" refers to displeasure, anger, or resentment. It encompasses the negative emotions that arise when one is offended, hurt, or feels wronged. The term (ana'an) "عَناءً" denotes suffering, hardship, or burden. It signifies the toll that carrying such negative emotions can have on an individual's well-being, both physically and spiritually.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the importance of controlling our anger and avoiding the harmful consequences it can bring. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] 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 forgiving others, as it is an act of righteousness that is beloved to Allah. By controlling our anger, we are able to maintain peace within ourselves and foster harmonious relationships with others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises:

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance or offensive behavior with patience and wisdom, rather than succumbing to anger. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and reactions. It urges us to recognize the detrimental effects of holding onto anger and resentment. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by negative emotions, we not only harm our own well-being but also strain our relationships with others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of controlling one's anger. He exemplified this quality throughout his life, even in the face of great adversity. His ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations serves as an inspiration for Muslims to follow his noble example.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that displeasure and anger can be burdensome and detrimental to our well-being. It urges us to exercise self-control and patience, to forgive others, and to respond to ignorance with wisdom and kindness. By doing so, we can maintain inner peace, strengthen our relationships, and strive towards a more harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to control our anger and to embody the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).