Why must one restrain Anger and how: Islamic viewpoint on Anger Management

Anger is an outburst of emotion which almost every human confronts much too often in his life. From petty matters to larger and major issues, the incontrollable anger outburst is more harmful than what some may think that such outbursts will ease their emotions. People get angry for many reasons — some biological, some emotional, and some spiritual. 

The negative fallout of being angry always outweigh its positive face, if any. And this is the reason, anger management is become a subject in its self and psychologists around the world are constantly looking ways and means to tame the angry and let them live in peace, for anger leaves many harmful within one self. Today, study of Anger management means recognizing, controlling, and expressing anger in a healthy and constructive way so that it does not harm yourself, your relationships, or your surroundings.

Remember, Anger Management is not about suppressing anger completely — because anger is a natural human emotion — but about learning how to handle it wisely.

Let us understand why people get angry, how and why they must control and restrain their emotional state and how Islam helps in anger management.

Why People Get Angry

Before we come to the Islamic concept of anger management, let us first hurriedly run down on some factors due to which anger often arises. This negative emotional state occurs when:

• Ego is hurt — feeling disrespected, insulted, or ignored.
• Injustice is perceived — either real or imagined.
• Unmet expectations — when things don’t go our way.
• Frustration or stress — from personal or environmental pressures.
• Envy or jealousy — seeing others enjoy something we don’t have.
• Lack of patience — reacting impulsively instead of with reflection.
• Provocation from others — deliberate or accidental.

Why Restraining anger is important?

• Health: The first effect of the emotional outburst falls on the health of the one being angry, specially those who are unable to control their anger and get angry much too often. Such people who have chronic history of getting angry  are often found to be suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
• Relationships: Poorly handled anger damages trust and respect. And if the angry mindset becomes a habit, one start to lose near and dear ones, and finally his friends, leaving him all alone in a vacuum with no one around to console or to tame.
• Decision-Making: Anger clouds judgment and leads to impulsive, regretful actions. Leaders, managers and men at the helm of the affair suffer because of their angry mindset for it mars taking correct decisions. Anger usually let a man take a hasty decision which hurts one's positions, business and standing. 

What to Do?

We could go on listing the remedial measures as listed in studies on Anger Management, but these could be read from any media or by attending a course on anger management. But we will restrict ourselves the concept of anger management as taught in Qur'an when it was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago and in the saying of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. The mere mention of restraining one's anger in a Divine Book, that is Al Qur'an, and emphasis by Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم suggests the gravity of being anger and its effects on man.

In Islam, anger is viewed as a natural human emotion but one that must be controlled, not allowed to control us.

Islam provides a comprehensive framework for managing anger, emphasizing self-control, patience, and seeking refuge in Allah. The Quran and Hadith offer guidance on how to address anger constructively. Below, I’ll outline key teachings and quote relevant verses and hadiths. 

Quranic Teachings on Anger Management

The Quran encourages believers to restrain anger, practice forgiveness, and maintain patience, as these qualities are associated with righteousness and closeness to Allah.

• Restraining Anger and Practicing Forgiveness:
• Quran 3:134: 
• "Those who spend [in Allah’s cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good."
• This verse praises those who control their anger and choose forgiveness, highlighting it as a characteristic of the righteous.
• This verse highlights three progressive steps:
• Control the reaction (restrain anger).
• Forgive.
• Do good to the one who wronged you.
• Patience and Forbearance:
• Quran 42:37: "And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive."
• The Quran emphasizes that forgiveness, even in moments of anger, is a virtue of those who avoid major sins.
• Seeking Refuge from Satan:
• Quran 41:36: "And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing."
• Anger is often linked to Satan’s influence, and seeking Allah’s protection helps calm the heart and mind.
• Patience as a Virtue:
• Quran 2:153: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."
• Patience (sabr) is a key tool for managing emotions, including anger, and is reinforced through prayer.
• Avoid Hastiness in Anger
• "And hasten not with the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you..." (20:114)
• Although this verse is context-specific, scholars also use it to show that rushing in any matter — including speech in anger — is discouraged.

Hadith Teachings on Anger Management

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided practical advice and spiritual guidance for controlling anger. Below are key hadiths:

• Anger as a Burning Coal:
• Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah 4189): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Beware of anger, for it is a burning coal on the heart of the son of Adam. Do you not notice the swelling of the veins of his neck and the redness of his eyes? If anyone feels that, let him sit down if he is standing, and lie down if he is sitting."
• This hadith describes the physical signs of anger and suggests changing one’s physical state to calm down.
• Silence During Anger:
• Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 6116): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If one of you becomes angry, let him be silent."
• Silence prevents rash words or actions that may lead to regret.
• Changing Position:
• Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawud 4782): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger does not go away, he should lie down."
• This practical advice helps diffuse anger by altering one’s physical posture.
• Seeking Refuge from Satan:
• Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 3282): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I know a word, the saying of which will cause the anger to go away from him: if he says, ‘A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim’ (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil), his anger will go away."
• Reciting this dua helps redirect focus to Allah and counters Satan’s influence.
• Strength in Controlling Anger:
• Hadith (Sahih Muslim 2609): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The strong man is not the one who can wrestle, but it is the one who controls himself when he is angry."
• This emphasizes that true strength lies in self-restraint.
• Performing Wudu (Ablution):
• Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawud 4784): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created from fire, and fire is extinguished only with water. So, when one of you becomes angry, he should perform wudu."
• Ablution is a practical and spiritual act to cool down anger.

Practical Islamic Strategies for Anger Management

Based on the Quran and Hadith, Islam suggests the following steps:

• Pause and Stay Silent: Avoid speaking or acting impulsively when angry.
• Change Position: Sit or lie down to physically disrupt the anger response.
• Perform Wudu: Use water to calm both body and mind.
• Seek Refuge in Dedication: Recite A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim to ward off Satan’s influence.
• Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Reflect on Quranic teachings to cultivate a forgiving mindset.
  
• Pray and Reflect: Turn to Allah through prayer to seek patience and guidance.

One has to be a true believer, who must understand the instructions given in Qur'an and Hadith and implement these in one's daily life, be at home or without, in office, in business or among people and friends. And the best antidote for anger management is Sabr - Patience. For it is patience which restrains one's anger and his faith in Allah for whatever happens to one, is from Allah and one must accept the Devine decree and observe patience. Those who are patient and persevere inn times of stress, pass the Devine tests and are finally awarded with the mercy and grace of Allah.

You may like to read our earlier posts on anger management in Islam from links given below:

• Selected Verses from Quran: Charity and Suppression of Anger
• Allah loves those who restrain their anger, and forgive others 
• Anger Management as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ : What to say when one is angry

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q & A for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Grok | 

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Anger Management as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ : What to say when one is angry

Anger is defined as an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems. To be angry is to be furious. People who get angry a lot have a short temper. This is a word for a common emotion: being mad or enraged. People get mad all the time, about traffic, homework, parents, children, and even the weather. 

It is generally seen that many a  man cannot control their emotions and exhibit an explosive outburst when being antagonized. In fact when a person is angry, he is temporarily robbed of the ability to think straight and takes erratic decisions for which he feel sorry for himself when the anger has subsided. The emotional and reactive outbursts in most cases cause losing friends and relatives, even business deals, and have very negative and deep impact on one's own life and health. 

In Islam, any unusual negative response to a situation is attributed to the work of the Satan and the evil forces, for these evil forces are all the time on the lookout of people who can be easily tempted to show their emotional response easily. Under such situations, one must immediately try to disengage from a situation and act upon the advice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (48 -  Chapters on Supplication / كتاب الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter # 51 What One Says When Angry / باب مَا يَقُولُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ  ) as Hadith number # 3452:

Mu`adh bin Jabal narrated :

that one of the two men cursed the other next to the Prophet (ﷺ), until anger could be recognized in the face of one of them. So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Verily, I know a statement, that if he were to say it, his anger would leave: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the rejected (A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm).’”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى، عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ، رضى الله عنه قَالَ اسْتَبَّ رَجُلاَنِ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى عُرِفَ الْغَضَبُ فِي وَجْهِ أَحَدِهِمَا فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنِّي لأَعْلَمُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا لَذَهَبَ غَضَبُهُ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ حَدَّثَنَا بُنْدَارٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ صُرَدٍ قَالَ وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ مُرْسَلٌ ‏.‏ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى لَمْ يَسْمَعْ مِنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ مَاتَ مُعَاذٌ فِي خِلاَفَةِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَقُتِلَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى غُلاَمٌ ابْنُ سِتِّ سِنِينَ وَهَكَذَا رَوَى شُعْبَةُ عَنِ الْحَكَمِ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى وَقَدْ رَوَى عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَرَآهُ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى يُكْنَى أَبَا عِيسَى وَأَبُو لَيْلَى اسْمُهُ يَسَارٌ وَرُوِيَ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى قَالَ أَدْرَكْتُ عِشْرِينَ وَمِائَةً مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith offers insight into the Islamic approach to managing anger. The advice given by the Prophet (ﷺ) is deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings. Here are some Quranic verses that relate to this hadith:

Relevance to the Quran

• Seeking Refuge from Shaitan:
• Surah Al-A'raf (7:200): "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower." 
• This verse explicitly instructs believers to seek refuge in Allah when tempted by Shaitan, which can include moments of intense anger.
• Controlling Anger:
• Surah Al-Imran (3:134): "Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good." 
• This verse praises those who restrain their anger and forgive others, showing the importance of controlling one's anger in Islam.
• Shaitan’s Influence: 
• Surah Al-Isra (17:53): "And say to My servants that they speak that which is best. Indeed, Shaitan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Shaitan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." 
• This verse indicates that Shaitan seeks to sow discord among people, which can often manifest through anger and arguments.

Practical Application

• Managing Anger: The hadith provides a practical tool for managing anger by seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This not only helps in calming down but also brings a spiritual perspective to the situation.
• Recognizing Shaitan’s Role: Understanding that Shaitan can influence our emotions and actions helps in addressing the root cause of anger. By seeking refuge in Allah, a believer acknowledges Shaitan’s role and takes a step towards self-control.

Spiritual and Psychological Benefits:

Reciting "A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm" serves as a reminder of Allah’s presence and helps divert the mind from the immediate cause of anger to a more peaceful state. It’s a form of mindfulness and spiritual grounding.

The hadith narrated by Mu`adh bin Jabal emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and provides a specific method to achieve it through seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This practice is supported by various Quranic teachings that highlight the virtues of restraint, the detrimental role of Shaitan, and the effectiveness of seeking Allah’s protection. By implementing this prophetic advice, a believer can achieve greater emotional control and spiritual well-being.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Pixabay

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Allah loves those who restrain their anger, and forgive others

Anger is one of the weakest human character, which is more often than not expressed in its utter harshness and loudness. Generally those who are rich or in power get intimidated instantly when they do not see the weaker side bowing to their viewpoint. The instant outburst of anger can some times turns into a very violent expression which may entail physical harm of the weak.

When a person is angry,  he is generally observed to have no control over emotions and logical thinking and sometimes this weakness of man leads him to very a the low state of character. It is for this reason anger management has become a vast subject today and in the corporate world managers and management are given courses on how to suppress and "manage" anger for it may have serious consequences on the growth of business.

There is more stress today on "Assertive Anger" today which means thinking before you speak, being confident in how you say it, yet open and flexible to the 'other side'. It means being patient; not raising your voice; communicating how you are feeling emotionally, and really trying to understand what others are feeling.

Cognizant of this great weakness of man, believers have been cautioned by Allah to restrain their anger and should try their best to forgiving others rather than taking revenge, for which they be ashamed after their anger has subsided.  Remember this was said more than 1400 years ago on which research is being carried out extensively these days. 

We share the 134th verse of  Surah 3. Al-i'Imran which not only focuses on restraining anger, but aslo forgiving others. In fact the verse has three Divine advices to the believers and it is said that Allah loves these good doers: (1) Who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, (2) Who restrain their anger, and (3) Who forgive others. 

Let us see its explanation and tafsir:

الَّذِيۡنَ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ فِى السَّرَّآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَالۡكٰظِمِيۡنَ الۡغَيۡظَ وَالۡعَافِيۡنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ يُحِبُّ الۡمُحۡسِنِيۡنَ​ۚ‏ 

(3:134) who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers."

Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

(Those who spend (in Allah's cause) in prosperity and in adversity) in hard times and easy times, while active (or enthusiastic) and otherwise, healthy or ill, and in all conditions, just as Allah said in another Ayah,

(Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public) [2:274] These believers are never distracted from obeying Allah, spending on what pleases Him, being kind to His servants and their relatives, and other acts of righteousness. 

Allah said, (who repress anger, and who pardon men;) ﴿3:134﴾ for when they are angry, they control their anger and do act upon it. Rather, they even forgive those who hurt them. 

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet said:

(The strong person is not he who is able to physically overcome people. The strong person is he who overcomes his rage when he is angry.)

(He who gives time to a debtor or forgives him, then Allah will save him from the heat of Jahannam (Hell-fire). Behold! The deeds of Paradise are difficult to reach, for they are on top of a hill, while the deeds of the Fire are easy to find in the lowlands. The happy person is he who is saved from the tests. Verily, there is no dose of anything better to Allah than a dose of rage that the servant controls, and whenever the servant of Allah controls it, he will be internally filled with faith.)

Imam Ahmad recorded that Sahl bin Mu`adh bin Anas said that his father said that the Messenger of Allah said, (Whoever controlled rage while able to act upon it, then Allah will call him while all creation is a witness, until He gives him the choice of any of the Huris (fair females with wide, lovely eyes - as mates for the pious) he wishes.)

Allah said: (who repress anger) meaning, they do not satisfy their rage upon people. Rather, they refrain from harming them and await their rewards with Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored. 

Allah then said, (and who pardon men;) They forgive those who treat them with injustice. Therefore, they do not hold any ill feelings about anyone in their hearts, and this is the most excellent conduct in this regard. 

This is why Allah said, (verily, Allah loves the Muhsinin (the good-doers)).

Yusuf Ali explains that another definition of the righteous (vv. 134-35). So far from grasping material wealth, they give freely, of themselves and their substance, not only when they are well-off and it is easy for them to do so, but also when they arc in difficulties, for other people may be in difficulties at the same time. They do not get ruffled in adversity, or get angry when other people behave badly, or their own good plans fail. On the contrary they redouble their efforts. For the charity-or good deeds-is all the more necessary in adversity. And they do not throw the blame on others. Even where such blame is due and correction is necessary, their own mind is free from a sense of grievance, for they forgive and cover other men's faults. This as far as other people are concerned. But we may be ourselves at fault, and perhaps we brought some calamity on ourselves. The righteous man is not necessarily perfect. In such circumstances his behaviour is described in the next verse.

Javed Ahmed Ghamidi notes that (who spend in all circumstances) in spite of this vastness, a person can buy Paradise by spending in the way of God. Not to mention the fact that this vastness of Paradise is only a parable. Its actual expanse is beyond our imagination.

(whether they are in ease or in hardship and [even if they encounter any excesses from those upon whom they spend,] they curb their anger and forgive people) This is said because generally the rich who have money do not have the heart to spend it; so by scolding those who ask on their wrong attitude they earn punishment instead of reward even for such a generous act.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

They “restrain their anger, and forgive their fellow men.” Fearing God also works in this respect, providing similar motives and leaving similar effects. Anger is a human reaction which is normally combined with or followed by a fit of temper. It is both natural and essential to man. However, it can only be overcome through that higher perception made possible by the positive effects of fearing God and the spiritual strength which man achieves through looking up to horizons which are far superior and more sublime than man’s own needs and interests.

 

Restraining anger is only the first stage; it is not sufficient on its own. A person may restrain his anger but harbour a grudge. His outward fury becomes a deeply- seated, inward rancour. Needless to say, anger and fury are preferable to harbouring grudges and rancour. The Qur’ānic verse emphasises that the God-fearing do not allow their anger to become a grudge. They forgive others and do not harbour any ill feelings. When anger is deliberately restrained it becomes a burden, a fire which burns internally sending its smoke over man’s conscience in order to blur his vision. Forgiveness, however, ensures a release from that burden. It gives peace of heart and conscience, as well as an easy movement in a more sublime world.

 

“God loves the benevolent.” Those who spend their money at times of prosperity and hardship are benevolent. Similarly, those who do not hesitate to forgive others after having been angered by them are also benevolent. The Qur’ānic verse tells us that God loves all who are benevolent. Use of the term “love” here is significant. Its pleasant, friendly, bright and compassionate shades are in perfect harmony with the pleasant and honourable atmosphere of help and forgiveness.

 

Because God loves the benevolent and the good turns they do, those who love God also love to be benevolent. They have the best of all motives. The final comment is, then, not only an inspiring description, it is a statement of fact.

 

The community which enjoys God’s love and, in turn, loves God and in which forgiveness replaces anger and rancour is a strong, brotherly and closely-knit community. 

Please listen to very elaborate explanation of the ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so  that they are able to discuss issues with Non Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources: 

• Towards Understanding the Quran
• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle

In addition the references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Selected Verses from Quran: Charity and Suppression of Anger

The verses 134 and 135 of Surah 3 Al-i'Imran give out virtues of the pious and true Muslims. Here we are sharing the first verse, that is verse 134, which is about spending and helping others both in times of prosperity and in the trying times even when one is unable to meet one's own requirements. This is something that lays down basis of a just society under the ambit of Islam so that every individual of the society is able to have some means of subsistence:

الَّذِيۡنَ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ فِى السَّرَّآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَالۡكٰظِمِيۡنَ الۡغَيۡظَ وَالۡعَافِيۡنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ يُحِبُّ الۡمُحۡسِنِيۡنَ​ۚ‏ 

(3:134) who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers."


The above quoted verse has two parts which spell out the definition of the righteous: (1) Spending in the name of Allah, (2) Suppression of one's anger:

In the first part, it is said of those who from grasping material wealth, also give freely, of themselves and their substance, not only when they are well-off and it is easy for them to do so, but also when they arc in difficulties, for other people may be in difficulties at the same time. As said earlier, this virtue of the righteous lays down the very foundation of a just and prosperous Muslim community where everyone is cognizant of others' needs and problems.

The fact stated in this verse is a truism from a moral and spiritual as well as from an economic and social viewpoint. For, although wealth apparently multiplies through interest and shrinks as a result of charity, in actual fact the opposite is the case. By God's decree, the law of nature is such that interest not only serves as a strain on moral and spiritual well-being, and social and economic growth, it also causes actual regression and decline. Charity, however, (including such acts as lending money to people with the stipulation that they should return it if they can. and at their convenience) leads to the growth and expansion of man's moral and spiritual qualities and to the growth of human society and economy.

Thus charity is the outcome of generosity, compassion, large heartedness and magnanimity, with the result that the more one practices charity the more these qualities develop. It is obvious that if there is a society whose individuals are selfish in their dealings with one another, in which none is prepared to assist the other without self-interest, in which every person considers the other's need an opportunity to capitalize and exploit, in which the interests of the rich are directly opposed to the interests of the common people, that society does not rest on stable foundations. In such a society, instead of love and compassion there is bound to grow mutual spite and bitterness, apathy, indifference and callousness. The elements which compose such a society are bound to remain inclined towards disintegration and chaos; acute internal conflict and strife are sure to occur.

The second virtue of the righteous is that they do not get ruffled in adversity, or get angry when other people behave badly, or their own good plans fail. On the contrary they redouble their efforts. For the charity-or good deeds-is all the more necessary in adversity. And they do not throw the blame on others. Even where such blame is due and correction is necessary, their own mind is free from a sense of grievance, for they forgive and cover other men's faults. This as far as other people are concerned. But we may be ourselves at fault, and perhaps we brought some calamity on ourselves. 

Although anger is a natural feeling it can have negative effects on those who allow it to control them, and adverse effects on those around them.  Anger can destroy relationships, health, property, and livelihood.  Uncontrolled anger is one of the tools of Satan and it can lead to many evils and tragedies. 

The Prophet of Allah once asked his Companions, “Whom among you do you consider a strong man?” They replied, “The one who can defeat so-and-so in a wrestling contest.” He said, “That is not so; a strong man is the one who can control himself when he is angry”.


Ali ibn Abi Talib was once fighting in a war, when the leader of the non-Muslim army attacked him.  During the confrontation, Ali managed to overcome him and was on the verge of killing him, when his opponent spat in Ali’s face.  Ali immediately stepped back and left the man alone.  The man said, “You could have killed me, why did you stop? Ali answered, “I have no personal animosity toward you.  I was fighting you because of your disbelief in and rebellion against God.  If I had killed you after you spat in my face, it would have been because of my personal anger and desire for revenge, which I do not wish to take.”

When Prophet Mohammad became angry due to someone’s incorrect actions or their words, he never expressed it with his hand and used only mild words.  In fact those that did not know him well did not even suspect that he was angry.  His companions however, knew that he was angry by just looking at him; his face would turn red and his forehead would be beaded with sweat.  However rather than expressing his anger openly he would be quiet, using those first moments to control himself.   


Controlling anger is a sign of righteousness.  A righteous person is promised Paradise and one of the characteristics of righteousness is being able to control anger.

The righteous man is not necessarily perfect. In such circumstances his behaviour is described in the next verse, that is 135, which we shall share in one of our next posts.

May Allah help us understand Qur'an and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. Aameen.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

Reading the Holy Quran should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the Sūrahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that:

• The plain translation has been taken from the Holy Quran officially published by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
• The exegesis of the chapters of the Holy Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. 

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources: 

• Exegesis by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Sharif, revised by Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi  Usmani
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid

In addition the references of  other sources which have been explored have also been given in each page. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More