Hadith #238

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Anger is a kind of madness because the victim to it repents afterwards. If he does not repent his madness is confirmed.

This Hadith highlights the destructive nature of anger and the importance of controlling our emotions. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-hiddah) "الْحِدَّةُ" in this Hadith refers to anger. It is derived from the root word (hadda) "حَدَّ", which means to be sharp or intense. Anger is described as a form of madness because it clouds one's judgment and leads to irrational behavior. When a person becomes angry, they lose control over their emotions and may say or do things that they later regret.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of repentance after experiencing anger. The word (yandamu) "يَنْدَمُ" means to feel remorse or regret. It is a natural response for a person to feel remorseful after being consumed by anger, as they realize the negative consequences of their actions. This feeling of regret serves as a reminder for individuals to seek forgiveness from Allah and rectify their behavior.

The Hadith also warns that if a person does not repent and continues to indulge in their anger, their madness is confirmed. This means that their irrational behavior becomes ingrained and they may become known for their anger and its destructive consequences. Such a person may find it difficult to control their anger in the future, leading to a cycle of regret and further damage to relationships and personal well-being.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of controlling anger and seeking forgiveness. 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 highlights the virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and turning away from ignorant behavior. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to control their anger and respond to ignorance with patience and wisdom.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand the detrimental effects of anger on individuals and society. Uncontrolled anger can lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even physical harm. It is essential for Muslims to strive towards controlling their anger, seeking forgiveness, and responding to provocation with patience and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. He exemplified the teachings of the Quran by remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. His ability to control his anger and respond with wisdom serves as an inspiration for Muslims to follow in his footsteps.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of anger and the importance of repentance. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to control their emotions, seek forgiveness, and respond to provocation with patience and wisdom. By doing so, we can strive towards a harmonious and peaceful society, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).