Author: Abdul Hameed Gurgij
Anger and Rage (Part Three)
Cure for Anger:
It should be known that completely eradicating the roots and sources of anger and rage, and, in general, eliminating it altogether, is impossible for humans. The only possible solution is to treat and address its effects and consequences in order to stop and prevent becoming angry. This should be done within the bounds of Allah’s laws and commandments while being aware of the dangers that follow anger and rage.
To manage anger, actions such as educating and training the soul through encouragement and warning, spending time with patient and tolerant people, and associating with righteous and good-hearted individuals can be helpful. Visiting with family members and associating with trustworthy and honest friends can also be effective.
Getting closer to Allah through prayer, fasting, remembrance (Zikr), and reciting the Quran also helps in controlling anger. Furthermore, one must pay attention to the deep-rooted causes of anger and rage within themselves in order to treat them. Sometimes, pride and vanity, status and ambition, or love for wealth, and even knowledge can serve as triggers for anger and rage. These factors may accumulate in a person and prevent them from changing their form and situation, as influenced by Satan.
It should be noted that praiseworthy anger is the one mentioned in the following verse of Allah: «مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللهِ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ» Translation: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are harsh against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves.”
On the other hand, when we read the Holy Quran or the Hadiths of the Prophet, we find many verses and sayings that oppose anger and rage, encouraging and urging humans to suppress them, avoid recklessness, and eliminate the underlying causes. There is no doubt that a person’s harshness and recklessness, following anger and rage, cause them to lose the ability to think and reflect when making decisions, lacking calmness and patience in addressing issues and considering all aspects of matters. Therefore, if anger is not swiftly contained, it brings harm and evil into a person’s life.
It should be understood that if anger is praiseworthy, it certainly brings calmness and patience, allowing a person time to think about what they intend to do and ensure its feasibility. However, if anger is reprehensible, calmness and patience, along with the suppression of anger, provide the opportunity to understand the harmful and unjust consequences caused by haste and carelessness, which people often fall victim to.
This is why a calm and patient person, when angered, uses their intellect to consider the consequences they may face, which is why they are regarded as gentle and forbearing, receiving the reward of their patience from Allah Almighty. However, a hasty and careless person, following their anger, becomes the victim of their foolish and reckless actions. According to the consequences of their deeds and words, the burden of sin will fall upon them.
It should be noted that through what is presented here, we do not aim to call people toward the destruction of the power of anger or to condemn it, as this is impossible with something that is inherent and natural in both humans and animals. Rather, the true aim is to highlight that sometimes a person’s habits and imitations, due to their accumulation, lead to a disruption in judgment, resulting in disorganization and chaos in their affairs, giving rise to anger and rage.
For example, an effeminate young man (neither fully male nor female) dresses in women’s clothing and walks with women. He styles his hair, face, and eyebrows to resemble women’s, and participates in various family matters with women, sisters, wives, and mothers, without any sense of honor, dignity, or principles regarding his character and reputation. It is sometimes mistakenly assumed that such a person never becomes angry. However, this is a false assumption. It is clear that if you insult or mock his behavior, he will become even angrier and lose control, shouting and screaming. It is evident that the environment in which he was raised and the traditions he has followed have deprived him of a sense of honor and pride—which are key causes of anger and rage. Yet, they have not eradicated the anger itself. Therefore, the causes and factors of anger and rage vary depending on the environment, life circumstances, differences, traditions, upbringing, education, beliefs, and other factors.
Indeed, a true Muslim is one who aligns themselves with legitimate principles and standards and becomes angry in accordance with them, being satisfied and content with such anger. Thus, this person adopts a life of dignity and moderation in accordance with these standards. Consequently, such an individual is compassionate, wise, and possesses a sound and exemplary way of thinking. These qualities are not possible for a non-Muslim who lacks mature intellect and deep understanding and does not have the capacity for thought, patience, and perseverance in Islam and its teachings. The reason for this is clear, as a Muslim continually lives with the Quran and the commands of Allah (SWT), which state: «لاَ يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ» Translation: “It is from before it and from behind it; falsehood cannot approach it; it is a revelation from the Wise, Praiseworthy (One).”
A true Muslim lives in accordance with the instructions of the Quran and the guidance of the most complete creation of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In all his actions and morals, in matters of politics, dealings with people, behavior and social conduct, as well as in his family and relational affairs, he behaves in a Quranic and Muhammadan manner. In this way, he is recognized as a person with Quranic understanding, jurisprudence, and the Muhammadan way of life in all aspects and dealings of his life. So, who can be like him or even close to him?
Continues…
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