عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ
أَنَّ رَجُلًا قَالَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه و سلم "أَوْصِنِ"
قَالَ " لَا تَغْضَب"
فَرَدَّدَ مِرَارًا،
قَالَ"لَا تَغْضَبْ"
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah RA:
A man said to the Prophet SAW, “Counsel me,” so he SAW said, “Do not become angry.”
The man repeated [his request for counsel] several times, and [each time] he SAW said,
“Do not become angry.”
[Al-Bukhari]
Islam is more than just a set of spiritual beliefs; it is a complete and comprehensive way of life that encompasses every aspect of human existence. At its core, Islam is a holistic system that provides guidance on personal conduct, social interactions, and moral responsibilities, ensuring the well-being of both individuals and society as a whole. One of the fundamental principles of Islam is the teaching of proper adab, which refers to the Islamic etiquette and manners that govern behaviour in all aspects of life.
The sixteenth hadith of the Forty an-Nawawi hadith collection is about the prohibition of anger. The hadith discuss the topic of emotional control, specifically about not getting angry and advice on suppressing anger, avoiding triggers, and seeking refuge in Allah. Anger, when left unchecked, can lead to harmful actions and words that disrupt personal relationships and social harmony.
The hadith emphasises the importance of shifting focus from anger triggers and proactively avoiding situations that may lead to anger. This proactive approach is crucial for emotional control and developing good character.
The narrator of this hadith, Abu Hurayrah RA has narrated a lot of hadith and undoubtedly the most prolific narrator of hadith, one of the most notable companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. His profile has been discussed in previous sessions.
Seeking Advice
أَنَّ رَجُلًا قَالَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه و سلم: أَوْصِنِ
A man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “Counsel me,”
The narration begins with simple yet profound interaction that highlights the deep respect and trust the companions had in the Prophet's SAW wisdom and guidance. The name of the name seeking advice from Rasulullah SAW was not mentioned as it was insignificant and not important to be known. The gist of the narration is what was asked and the given answer.
This part of the hadith itself, reflects the etiquette of Islam. There’s a possibility that this Sahaba who was asking for the counsel was a short-fused person and could get ticked off easily. It is not a praiseworthy character, and the identities are being kept silent.
This simple yet profound interaction highlights the deep respect and trust the companions had in Rasulullah SAW. The man's request for counsel reflects a sincere desire for personal improvement and moral direction, recognizing the Prophet SAW as the ultimate source of ethical and spiritual advice.
This hadith underscores the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable and righteous individuals, a principle deeply embedded in Islamic tradition.
Awṣini, أَوْصِنِ, is from the word وَصى (waṣiyā), which means "to advise" or "to counsel."
The man is asking for advice that is unique, a game changer and an inherently good advice for life with just one word, awṣini, not asking simply for advice, but ‘the’ advice.
The first talking point from this part is a reflection of how the Sahaba values the advice from the Prophet SAW and would seek for it, strategically. This is a good habit that has been practised among the Sahaba, in seeking advice from the wise, the elderly, the scholars. We should encourage our children, the younger generation to do the same. It brings benefits to everyone.
Seeking advice from wise individuals and valuing their guidance is a significant aspect of Islamic etiquette. It is highly encouraged to ask for counsel before making decisions or parting ways with teachers, parents, and elders. This practice enriches one’s understanding and promotes better decision-making. The companions of the Prophet SAW often sought his advice, demonstrating their respect and trust in his wisdom and guidance.
In Islam, seeking advice is highly encouraged and considered a vital aspect of personal and communal decision-making. The practice is rooted in the principles of humility, wisdom, and collective benefit. Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of consultation and seeking counsel from knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals, reflecting the value placed on shared wisdom and collaborative problem-solving
“The” Advice
قَالَ " لَا تَغْضَب"
فَرَدَّدَ مِرَارًا،
قَالَ"لَا تَغْضَبْ"
so he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Do not become angry.”
The man repeated [his request for counsel] several times, and [each time] he SAW said, “Do not become angry.”
In the study of Hadith, there is a recognition that the Prophet SAW’s guidance may vary depending on the individual circumstances of those seeking his advice. This variability in guidance is not considered problematic within the principles of Usul Hadith.
For example,
Abdullah ibn Busr reported, A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, the laws of Islam are too many for me, so tell me something I can hold onto.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.”
Scholars has two views regarding the differences on Rasulullah SAW’s advices, i.e.:
1. He SAW gives different advice at different times because he knew that whatever he SAW shared, will be spread. In the end, the different advice he puts out will necessitate getting all the advice to spread, despite the advice being given in a private or public setting.
2. He would give the advice that he SAW felt was the ultimate advice for the actual person asking, depending on the person, given the person's progress and trajectory. The Prophet SAW interacted with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of understanding, and facing different challenges. He SAW tailored his guidance to address the specific needs and circumstances of each individual. This personalised approach reflects the Prophet SAW's wisdom and compassion. Just as a skilled physician prescribes different treatments for different patients based on their unique conditions, the Prophet SAW provided tailored guidance to meet the spiritual and moral needs of his companions and followers.
This flexibility and adaptability are seen as strengths in the prophetic tradition, enabling the Prophet SAW to effectively convey his message to a diverse audience. It reflects the richness and depth of his teachings, demonstrating his profound understanding of human nature and his ability to address the specific concerns of his community.
"لَا تَغْضَبْ", “Do not become angry.” The direction of “do not get angry” covers two applications.
1. Suppress you anger
The first is suppressing anger when it erupts. This advice is as reflected in the Qur’an, which Allah SWT says:
وَسَارِعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ مَغۡفِرَةٖ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرۡضُهَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ أُعِدَّتۡ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ (133) ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلۡكَٰظِمِينَ ٱلۡغَيۡظَ وَٱلۡعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ (134)
(133) And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, (134) those who spend in times of prosperity and adversity, and who restrain their anger and pardon people; for Allah loves those who do good. [Ali Imran 3:133-134]
From the verse we learn that those who suppress their anger when it is about to erupt are among the good doers and Allah SWT loves the good doers. The rewards for the good doers are the Paradise and we should race for the Paradise.
In a hadith from Muadh ibn Anas, Rasulullah SAW said,
“Whoever suppresses his rage, even though he could unleash it, Allah will summon him on the Day of Resurrection before the heads of all creation to choose whichever maiden he wishes.”
This hadith highlights the immense reward promised by Allah for those who control their anger, even when they have the ability to express it. This would be for those in authority such as a leader in an organisation, parents, a husband and others. Failing to suppress anger can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on both the individual and the organisation they lead. Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to manage emotions constructively, including anger, for the benefit of all involved.
2. Stay away from anger
Moreover, this hadith serves as a profound instruction to not only suppress anger but also to actively avoid its triggers. By heeding the advice of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, individuals are encouraged to take proactive steps to swerve away from situations or behaviours that may incite their anger. This entails a deliberate and conscious effort to recognize the factors that provoke one's anger and purposefully steer clear of them.
Furthermore, adhering to this hadith entails making a mental note of those circumstances, interactions, or environments that have the potential to elicit anger. By cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness, individuals can better anticipate and manage their emotional responses, thereby preventing unnecessary conflicts or outbursts. In essence, it is about exercising restraint and self-discipline in the face of provocation, knowing that by doing so, one will be rewarded for their restraint and obedience to the guidance of the Prophet SAW.
For instance, if someone knows that they have a low tolerance for certain behaviours or attitudes, such as rudeness or disrespect, they may choose to avoid situations where they are likely to encounter such behaviour. This could involve limiting interactions with certain individuals or refraining from participating in activities that may exacerbate feelings of anger or frustration.
By taking proactive measures to avoid potential triggers, individuals not only safeguard their own emotional well-being but also contribute to the maintenance of harmony and peace in their relationships and surroundings. This proactive approach aligns with the teachings of Islam, which emphasise the importance of prevention and mitigation of harm, both to oneself and to others. For example, certain conversations might trigger you e.g. politics, so you avoid those discussions. Another example is by taking anger management classes which is one of your attempts in practising this hadith. You will be rewarded for following the sunnah.
A salafi, Uthman ibn Sa'id, a student of Sufyan ath-Thawri, mentioned that well-being consists of 10 parts, which 9 of the 10 entails ignoring people’s faults, ignoring the triggers.
Imam Ahmad responded and said, well-being consists of 10 parts, and all 10 parts consists of ignoring faults.
It is clear that anger is not a praiseworthy behaviour.
Anger Management according to Shari’ah
In the hadith:
Narrated Atiyyah as-Sa'di, AbuWa'il al-Qass said: We entered upon Urwah ibn Muhammad ibn as-Sa'di. A man spoke to him and made him angry. So he stood and performed ablution; he then returned and performed ablution, and said: My father told me on the authority of my grandfather Atiyyah who reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only with water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform ablution.
This hadith offers timeless wisdom on the management of anger through a simple, yet profound practice. By recommending ablution, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides a practical tool for Muslims to control their anger and maintain spiritual and emotional well-being.
This hadith highlights several key points:
1. Anger and the Devil: Anger is linked to the devil (Shaytan), emphasising the need for self-control to avoid sinful behaviour.
2. Fire and Water Metaphor: The metaphor likens anger to fire and suggests that, like fire, anger can be extinguished by water, symbolised by performing ablution.
3. Practical Application: Performing ablution serves as a practical method to manage anger, providing both physical and emotional calm.
4. Self-Control Demonstration: Urwah’s immediate response to perform ablution when angry serves as an exemplary real-life application of the Prophet’s guidance.
5. Integration of Practices: The act of ablution, primarily a physical purification, also has significant spiritual benefits, aiding in emotional regulation.
6. Encouragement of Reflection: The pause and reflection involved in performing ablution can prevent hasty and regrettable reactions.
This guideline provides profound practice for anger management, integrating physical acts with spiritual discipline.
Change one’s position
In another narration about anger management:
Narrated AbuDharr, The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to us: When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.
The narration offers valuable advice on managing anger through simple, practical steps. By encouraging individuals to change their physical posture, the Prophet SAW provides a method to help control and mitigate anger. This approach not only helps in calming the individual but also prevents hasty and potentially harmful actions, promoting patience, self-control, and reflective behaviour in accordance with Islamic principles.
This hadith provides practical advice for managing anger by changing physical posture. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) suggests sitting down if one is angry while standing. If the anger persists, lying down is recommended. This gradual approach helps to restrict movement and create a shift in focus, helping to calm emotions.
It highlights the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and intellectual states. When angry, physical changes like a reddening face and increased heartbeat occur, demonstrating how emotions affect the body. By altering physical posture, one can influence and control emotional responses.
Anger can lead to negative outcomes if not managed properly. It can result in hasty, regrettable actions, strained relationships, and poor decision-making. This concept is emphasised in another hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised that a judge must not rule when he is angry: "A judge should not decide between two people when he is angry". Although a judge makes decisions using his intellect, anger can cloud judgement and lead to unfair rulings. This illustrates the deep connection between our emotions and our intellectual capabilities.
Shifting positions can have an impact on your emotions. Furthermore, restricting movement prevents harm.
Make du’a
In another narration about anger management:
Narrated Sulaiman bin Sarad, Two men abused each other in front of the Prophet (ﷺ) while we were sitting with him. One of the two abused his companion furiously and his face became red. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I know a word (sentence) the saying of which will cause him to relax if this man says it. Only if he said, "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast.' " So they said to that (furious) man, 'Don't you hear what the Prophet (ﷺ) is saying?" He said, "I am not mad."
This hadith offers practical guidance for anger management by recommending the invocation of divine refuge. The Prophet SAW provides a spiritually rooted solution to a common emotional challenge, emphasising the importance of seeking Allah’s help to control anger. It is meant to invoke divine assistance to calm down.
The hadith shows the importance of spiritual practices in managing anger. Invoking Allah's name can help shift focus and calm emotions. The incident illustrates how emotions like anger manifest physically and how spiritual remedies can address these physical symptoms.
The hadith teaches that seeking refuge in Allah is an effective way to control anger, promoting patience and spiritual tranquillity.
Remain silent
In other narration about anger management:
Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Teach and make things easy and not difficult. When one of you is angry, he should be silent."
This hadith offers profound guidance on managing anger through the practice of silence, reflecting the Prophet SAW’s deep understanding of human behaviour.
When feeling angry, one should practise silence. This helps in avoiding impulsive reactions and gives time to process emotions. Silence in anger prevents escalation of conflicts and promotes a more thoughtful and measured response.
Anger often leads to impulsive and regrettable speech. By remaining silent, one can avoid saying things that might hurt others and damage relationships. Silence provides a crucial pause to cool down and think rationally, helping to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
Silence cultivates patience, a highly valued attribute in Islam. This can lead to better decision-making and more harmonious relationships. Enduring provocation without responding aggressively develops forbearance, a key virtue in maintaining peaceful interactions.
Anger can cause physical stress, like increased heart rate and blood pressure. Silence can help mitigate these stress responses, promoting better physical health. Silence provides space for clear thinking, allowing one to assess situations objectively and respond constructively.
Following the Prophet’s SAW advice to remain silent when angry allows Muslims to emulate his character and uphold Islamic values. Effective anger management reduces conflicts and fosters a more peaceful community environment.
Anger is not a praiseworthy quality in Islam, and its suppression is highly encouraged. Controlling one's anger brings immense rewards, including ultimate solace and the love of Allah.
Islam recommends several anger management techniques to help suppress anger and avoid triggers. By practising these techniques, individuals can better manage their emotional responses and maintain harmony in their relationships.
Suppressing anger and seeking wise counsel are essential practices in Islam, promoting personal and communal well-being. No doubt, the reward for suppressing anger is great that no one should miss it. By adhering to these principles, may we be able to cultivate good character, maintain harmonious relationships, and ultimately earn the love and pleasure of Allah SWT. Allahumma ameen.
Disclaimer:
Hadith #16 - Prohibition of Anger
Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar | STEPS TO JANNAH S3 | Forty Hadith Imam Nawawi
These are notes sharing from the Steps of Jannah classes online taught by Sheikh Dr Sajid Umar focusing on Hadith 40 an-Nawawi. The classes are still ongoing, every Monday 8pm UK time. If you would like to join, please email stepstojannah12@gmail.com
The notes written are from a student’s personal notes transcribed from the sessions. Should there be any error, May Allah forgive us, and do feedback (ain1810@gmail.com) so that it can get amended, and may it be beneficial to all of us and may Allah reward Jannah to Sh Sajid and his team for the beneficial ‘ilm being shared and to all of the students Steps to Jannah, Ameen.