"I Can't Control My Anger"

A wise older man named Malik lived in a serene village nestled between lush green hills. Malik was known for his peaceful disposition and ability to calm even the fiercest storms in the villagers' hearts. One day, a young man named Tariq, known for his fiery temper, came to Malik seeking advice.

"Malik, I cannot control my anger. It ruins my relationships and peace of mind. Please, teach me how to manage it," pleaded Tariq.

Malik smiled gently, understanding Tariq's plight. "Let me tell you a story, young one," he began.

"Many years ago, in the heart of Arabia, lived the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), whose wisdom and kindness were unmatched. One day, a man approached the Prophet and asked him for advice. The Prophet replied, 'Do not become angry.' The man asked again, seeking more guidance, but the Prophet repeated, 'Do not become angry.' This simple yet profound advice is recorded in Sahih Bukhari (Volume 8, Book 73, Number 137).

Tariq listened intently, intrigued by the simplicity of the message.

"You see," Malik continued, "Islam teaches us that anger is a natural emotion but must be controlled. The Quran emphasizes patience and self-restraint. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, 'And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous 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' (Quran 3:133-134)."

Tariq's eyes widened as he absorbed the wisdom of the Quranic verse.

"One of the most effective ways to manage anger is to change your physical state," Malik explained. "The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us this in a hadith: 'If one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise, he should lie down (Abu Dawood, Book 41, Hadith 4764). This simple act of changing your position can help dissipate the intensity of anger."

Tariq nodded, realizing the practicality of the advice.

"Moreover," Malik added, "the Prophet also recommended seeking refuge in Allah when angry. He said, 'If a man gets angry and says, "I seek refuge with Allah," his anger will go away' (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 135). By turning to Allah, we remind ourselves of His presence and seek His help overcoming our negative emotions."

"But what about the times when anger is justified?" Tariq asked.

"Good question," Malik replied. "Islam doesn't deny that there are moments when anger is natural and justified, such as when witnessing injustice. However, even then, we must channel it constructively. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated this when he faced insults and aggression with patience and dignity. His response was always measured, aiming to correct the wrong while maintaining composure."

Tariq felt a sense of peace wash over him as he realized the depth of wisdom in Malik's words.

"Remember, Tariq," Malik concluded, "anger is like fire. It can destroy or purify, depending on how we control it. Through the teachings of Islam, we learn to master our anger, turning it into a force for good rather than destruction."

With a newfound purpose, Tariq thanked Malik and left, determined to apply these principles in his life. And so, through the timeless wisdom of Islam, another soul found the path to peace and self-control.

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." Mark Twain

Let it go and Be great!

Imam Makram