CONTROLLING ANGER
The Only Solution
ANGER is one of the major things that could cause a relationship to go sour. Anger stokes a quarrel, which, if pursued, leads to personal dislike, and finally, to full-fledged hatred. Hatred eventually leads to evil. In any relationship, any trouble is exacerbated by anger. Anger is a natural phenomenon, and the only solution is to control it.
Anger in itself is not an evil. It becomes evil when it is allowed to spin out of control and affect people’s lives.
Rage is an undesirable reaction to a temporary provocation. It is much like a fire that flares up for a short while and then dies down for lack of fuel. If we understand this, anger will not result in any serious disharmony.
An unpleasant word or experience can make the fire in our mind suddenly flare up, but it only lasts for a short while. When we are angry, we should remain quiet, and try to calm ourselves before returning to dealing with the issue. It would not be wise to confront any adverse situation in anger.
Once, a person came to the Prophet of Islam. He asked: “O Prophet, give me a master advice by which I may be able to manage all the affairs of my life.” The Prophet replied, “Do not be angry.” It means, don’t be angry even when provoked. Respond positively even in negative situations. Always adopt positive thinking.
In the face of problems, anger further deteriorates the situation. On the other hand by controlling anger we can develop the capability of responding positively in negative situations; of taking the right decisions under difficult conditions; of discovering practical solutions to all problems.