Do Not be Angry

A believer does not become angry even upon provocation, does not fritter away his energies and discovers something favourable even in unfavourable situations.

According to a tradition, the Prophet of Islam was once asked by one of his companions: “O Prophet of God, tell me something by which I may live and that should be brief so that I don’t forget it.” The Prophet said, “Don’t be angry.” (Muwatta Imam Malik 1891)

Anger is the main cause of all evils. One who can control his anger will save himself from all those evils. So if one has to give some very succinct advice, it would be: “Save yourself from anger.”

Everyone has an angry streak in him. But, in general, his anger remains dormant. This anger surfaces only when some unpleasant event provokes the person.

A human being is being tested in this worldly life, when he has to listen to some bitter words from someone and he becomes angry. Then what he should do is extinguish the fire of anger, rather than stoke it to the point where even he is burnt in this fire.

The successful person is one who does not become angry even in situations of extreme provocation. He does not become upset at all. Such a person will manage to nip anger in the bud and not allow it to escalate out of control. The greatest benefit of this habit of not getting angry is that a person saves himself from frittering away his energies. He discovers something favourable even in unfavourable circumstances.

Not getting angry is a sign of broadmindedness. On the contrary becoming angry shows a lack of magnanimity.