Anger is considered an illness in Islam. It’s a negative things that should be kept away from a Muslim. Anger may cause harm, disaster, and even war. The Prophet (SAW) himself had his own anger management, so that his anger will not be easily explode. Here are the ways how to avoid getting angry in Islam:
1. Anger is About Soul and Mind, not Physical Ability
To be able to conquer your desire to get angry, it proves that you are a very strong Muslim. As the following Hadith stated,
“The strong man is not the one who can wrestle, but is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” – Bukhari
2. Keep Away from Bad Tempered People
There will be situation which will trigger you anger. For example when you are together with bad tempered people. Their emotion may affects you and you can get easily angry for small things. Keep yourself away from those kind of people for your won good.
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3. Take Time Before React
Don’t give a direct reaction to things that has just happened. The spontaneous reaction might do no good to you. It will not harm you pride to take time before giving your reaction. Whether you’re having conversation, talking on the phone, or exchanging the text. Think before you react.
4. Treat Others Like Brothers, Especially the Fellow Muslim
Think of everyone as if they’re your brother and you shouldn’t have fight with them. Treat each other with good manners, especially when they are fellow Muslim. As said on the Hadith below,
“Do not be angry with each other and do not envy each other and do not turn away from each other, and be slaves of Allah, brothers. It is now halal for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights.” – Imam Malik
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5. Distract Yourself from the Source of Anger
You must be know yourself better than anyone. You have to avoid certain people, things, or circumstances that may arise your anger. For example, when you are in the middle of a heated discussion, before you anger explode you must leave the scene.
6. Don’t Hold Grudge of Revenge
It’s better to blatantly say what’s inside your mind than holding grudge inside you. As grudge could lead to dangerous thing such as the will or intention for revenge. As narrated in one of the Hadith,
“The Prophet (SAW) never took revenge for his own sake, but if the laws of Allah were violated, he would take revenge for the sake of Allah.”
Always remember the virtue of patience which will bring you many benefits. It’s the tool to control the aggressiveness and anger.
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7. Seek Protection from Allah SWT
Sulayman Ibn Sard, the company of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,
“I was sitting with the Prophet (PBUH), and two men were slandering one another. One of them was red in the face, and the veins on his neck were standing out. The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘I know a word which, if he were to say it, what he feels would go away. If he said “I seek refuge with Allah from the Shaytan,” what he feels (i.e., his anger) would go away’.” – Bukhari
8. Keep Silent
Sometimes people are unable to control themselves whenever they are angry. They tend to say things that will be regretted later. To avoid those things, just be quiet and keep silent whenever you are angry. Don’t let yourself say things that will cause harm to others and you will be regretted forever.
The Prophet (SAW) said,
“If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.”
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9. Take Wudu
Anger is the deeds of Shaytaan, so cleanse yourself from its terrible influence. As the Prophet (SAW) said in a Hadith
“If one of you got angry while standing then sit down, or if sitting down then lay down. If anger does not go away then do Wudu”. – Abu Dawud
10. Remember the Reward from Allah SWT
As for those who is good enough in managing his anger, Allah SWT promised to gift that person with rewards. There are Hadith that reported by Al Tabaraanee,
“Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection.”
There are also another great rewards that said by the Prophet (SAW),
“Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allah will call him before all of mankind on the Day of Resurrection, and will let him choose of the Hoor al-‘Ayn whoever he wants” – Abu Dawud
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More Ways How to Avoid Getting Angry
- Read about how the Prophet (SAW) always hold his anger and learn from him, Do what he did to avoid getting angry.
- Always remember that the effect of anger is not good. It can destroy your relationship with other people, including your husband or wife.
- It’s Allah SWT who can get angry, as He owned the universe and its content. As you are nobody, you have no power to get angry.
- Make dua to Allah SWT to give you a calm heart to react in everything. Ask for peace from Allah so that you won’t be getting angry easily.
- Fill your mind with positive thoughts and always make yourself relax. Take a deep breath, wudu’, and sit down until the anger fade away.
- Understand the cause of anger so you can avoid it. People get angry for a reason, and for those who smart enough, he will stay away from that reason.
- Allah SWT will elevate the status of Muslim who can hold his anger. It is said by the Prophet, “The strongest man is the one who, when he gets angry and his face reddens and his hackles rise, is able to defeat his anger.”
So those are the ways how to avoid getting angry in Islam. Let us all following the Sunnah of the Prophet so that we can be a wise Muslim.