Cure of Anger In the Quran, Effective Strategies
The Arabic word “Ghussah,” anger in the Quran translates to something that chokes, suffocates, and inflicts intense distress. It’s likened to a lump in the throat, a tormenting darkness, and a suppressed moan. Just like choking obstructs breathing, anger cuts off our rational thinking and plunges us into a despairing darkness. The urgency to cure this “ethical disease” is emphasized, highlighting the need to nip anger in the bud before it takes root and becomes more difficult to manage.
The strong is not the one who throws someone down, rather, the strong is indeed the one who controls himself in wrath
Hadith
God, who we bless and praise, made Hazrat Adam in His own image. This makes the smiles of Adam’s children way more beautiful than a flower’s smile. It shows that their hearts are happy. In simple terms, a light shines from their faces when they smile, something unique to humans.
But, when someone gets angry because of something bothering them, the lovely smile disappears. It’s like a bright light turning off, and their face gets dark. A single spark of anger can shatter this delicate bloom. In its grip, the vibrant spring of a smile withers, replaced by a darkness that eclipses our inner light. And who is to blame for this tragic transformation? We, ourselves, hold the key to cultivating or extinguishing this inner radiance. Each choice we make, each emotion we embrace, paints the canvas of our face. So let us choose wisely, nurturing the seeds of kindness and serenity within, so that our smiles may blossom like roses, spreading light and beauty wherever we go.
According to Quranic wisdom, it is advised that wise individuals delve deeply into the laws of nations, as they hold many important secrets. One such insight is the mutual recognition of justice and injustice—they are inversely proportional. Justice can be likened to a bright day, while injustice is akin to a dark night. Just as night follows day in a cyclical pattern, the decrease of one leads to the increase of the other. In the same way, when a person is consumed by unnecessary anger, they can manage and suppress it
This analogy extends to our own emotional landscape. Unwarranted anger, like a storm cloud blocking out the sun, can engulf us in darkness. But just as darkness yields to daylight, so too can we choose to quell the flames of anger and restore inner peace. The key lies in recognizing the power we hold over our emotions. We are not at the mercy of every passing storm; we can actively cultivate calmness and choose justice over injustice, both within ourselves and the world around us. it is said in a Hadith:
In the heart of faith, there’s a precious gift: the power to forgive. When a believer calms down their anger, it’s like planting a seed of forgiveness that grows into a lasting quality. While true forgiveness is for God alone, we’re encouraged to act in a way that reflects His kindness, as verses like 4:43 and 99:22 remind us. Overcoming anger is how we mirror this divine behavior.
Verses like 3:133-134 show a beautiful change that happens when we forgive. They talk about rushing to forgive, avoiding holding onto anger, and choosing kindness over anger. When we make this choice, we not only make things easier for others, but we also open ourselves to God’s love and paradise.
The charity of good deed appeases the anger of the Lord
Hadith
When someone keeps from getting angry, it changes into something good—forgiveness. That, in turn, becomes a good deed. The nice result of doing good things is God’s love, which is special and lasts forever. So, people who control their anger, forgive, and do good things can quickly find God’s forgiveness and go to paradise. it is said in a Hadith:
By forgiveness the honour of man is elevated
Hadith
True believers, especially those who trust deeply in God, prioritize forgiveness even in the heat of anger. This quality mirrors the divine attributes of Ghafur (the Forgiving) and Ghaffar (the Oft-Forgiving). Though our human forgiveness falls short of divine perfection, the link between them is clear. To conquer anger’s sting, we must cultivate the habit of forgiveness – a journey fueled by both knowledge and righteous action.
The strong is not the one who throws someone down, rather, the strong is indeed the one who controls himself in wrath
Al-Mujam, 3, 79
While the Quran speaks of divine wrath, God’s names don’t directly mention it. This leads me to believe that wrath might manifest through God’s representatives, like a living embodiment of His attributes. Names like “Qahir” and “Qahar” don’t directly convey anger, but rather the overwhelming power and ability to conquer, as seen in references to the Day of Resurrection.
To whom belongs the kingdom this day? To Allah, the One (Unifier), the Subduer
Holy Quran 40:16
Let’s consider the different levels of existence, including minerals, plants, animals, humans, and angels, and examine where the capacity for anger or wrath originates. Stones and trees lack the ability for wrath. This capacity is present in animals, serving as a means of self-defense. As humans share the animal soul, this faculty is also a part of our nature. However, since humans possess intellect, unlike animals, there arises a need to refine this anger. The lower faculties in humans, stemming from the animal soul, can be seen as raw material for the intellect’s workshop. The goal is to transform these basic elements into something higher and more valuable.
Medicines can be broadly categorized as toxic and non-toxic. Expert doctors don’t use toxic substances in their original form; instead, they refine them for therapeutic purposes. Examples like arsenic, stramonium, blue vitriol (copper sulfate), and bitter almonds, though initially toxic, become powerful medicines when properly processed. Similarly, when the force of anger is refined, it transforms into the healing essence of forgiveness, offering a cure for future instances of anger.
Anger comes in various forms, such as wise anger, surface-level anger, fake anger, childlike anger, and profound anger. Among these, deep anger is particularly concerning. It’s a senseless fury where the intense emotions of sorrow and despair burst forth, causing destruction. This type of anger raises the risk of serious health issues like heart attacks and high blood pressure, as it adversely impacts the functioning of the heart.
Hindus often abstain from meat for religious reasons, viewing it as harmful to both animals and themselves. They believe killing any creature is sinful, and some even connect meat consumption to increased anger, comparing predators like tigers to peaceful grazers. Islam, however, presents a different perspective. While halal meat is permitted, the focus lies on refining strong emotions like anger through self-control and spiritual practice. Instead of complete denial, Islam encourages active engagement with the world, rejecting strict isolation or asceticism. Both religions offer distinct yet valuable philosophies on navigating these matters, ultimately leaving the choice of dietary practices and emotional control to the individual.
If a Muslim struggles with excessive anger, they shouldn’t lose hope, as despair is considered a sin (39:53). Instead, they should recognize it as a divine indication for engaging in the greater jihad – the ongoing battle against one’s own anger. The goal is to consistently suppress anger, and after persevering through this process forty times, success and God’s sacred friendship are anticipated.
When anyone of you is raging with anger, he should remain silent
Hadith
In conclusion, the Quran’s wisdom offers a clear directive: embrace the power of choice in cultivating calmness and transforming anger into forgiveness and inner peace. Islam suggests engagement, not denial, in managing emotions and dietary choices. Despite anger struggles, believers are encouraged to persevere in the greater jihad for lasting success. opt for kindness, justice, and inner peace.