The Cure for Anger ...

Abdullah bin Mubarak was asked to define good character and good manners in one word. He said, “good manners is to leave anger.”
Jafir bin Muhammad said, “anger is the key to every sin and evil in this world. Meaning, whenever people get angry, that’s when all the crimes take place, that’s when people disobeyAllah the most.”

The thing about anger is that it is very natural. Anger is an emotion like many other emotions which are built into our system. Sometime its even inevitable to feel betrayed when someone breaks their promise, or feel offended when our religion our family is disrespected. Anger is a almost an inherent reaction to opposition. So the problem is not in anger but how we express and channelize our anger.

Allah the Exalted says, “And when they are angry, they forgive.” So although it is okay to get angry, it is not okay to overreach and make a big fuss. The quality of Muslims is that when they are upset, they forgive. They overlook the faults of others.

Allah the Exalted says, waal kathimeena alghaytha waal AAafeena AAani alnnasi waAllahu yuhibbu almuhsineen “And they suppress anger and pardon people.”

Kathim means to tie and fasten a knot. It means to tie the lace firmly so it doesn’t slip or to tie a water sack strongly so water doesn’t drip. Ghayth is anger or rage. The believers control and restrain their anger, they strap and lock their tamper and forgive people. The right solution for anger is forgiveness.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was asked for one virtue, which will bring good in this life and in the Hereafter. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “don’t be angry”. The Prophet (s.a.w) was asked, what action or good deed can save a person from the anger of Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Don’t express your anger.” So just as we want Allah to be merciful to us and forgives us, we should also have mercy upon people and forgive them. The Prophet (s.a.w) was asked, who is the strongest man or the strongest woman? He (s.a.w) said, "it’s the person who can control their anger". So if you want to test your will power and find out how really brave you are – see if you can stop yourself from getting angry.

My advise to the Muslim children is – avoid sensitivity. People make mistakes, sometimes they are in a rush or sometimes they forget so it is okay. Give them a chance. Don’t take offense so easily and feel hurt. This life is full of difficulties and challenges. Allah told us in the Qur’an, the Believers will be tested in their faith. So yes, sometimes things will break, they will get lost. Sometimes people won’t agree, you won’t get permission. Realize that this is all part of life’s tests from Allah - and it is okay!. The more patient you are, the more lenient and humble, the more Allah will love and reward you inshaAllah.

Another tip that I want to share is that anger is from shaytan and shatyan is from fire. Notice whenever you are anger, your neck or ears of your face will get hot and red. In this case, fight shaytan and cool yourself down with water. Drink a glass of water immediately and make wudu. Walk away from the place, leave the person who is making your angry. Relax and calm down and then think about how to handle the situation peacefully.


 (Muslim Children's Day Speech)