Uncontrollable Anger

Having Trouble with Uncontrollable Rage?!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said; “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” [Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book of Good Manners, Hadith. No. 6114]

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt uncontrollable rage, which then led you to raise your voice at someone? Did you ever regret it afterwards, and wish you had handled the situation differently? 

As humans, we all tend to get angry once in awhile, and in my opinion, it can be one of the most difficult emotions to control. “Once a man approached the Prophet (pbuh) and asked: ‘Give me advice.’ The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Do not get angry.’ The man asked repeatedly and the Prophet answered each time, ‘Do not get angry.’”

It is important for us as Muslims to try to control our anger and frustration at times, even though it may not be our fault. I like to think of anger as an emotion Allah (SWT) gave us in order to test our strength in dealing with it. One method that helps me turn my anger into a state of calmness is actually a really simple method. I just pause and think to myself: “What would the Prophet (pbuh) do in this situation?” SubhanAllah, it has helped me in so many situations.

An example of a time when this method worked for me occurred a couple of weeks ago. I had just ordered a pair of Aldo shoes online from the store’s website. When it arrived, I opened the box and could not believe what I saw. They sent me a pair of worn shoes with a broken strap! I was really angry because I waited so long for them to arrive. I could not wait to call the store and express how frustrated and angry I was. However, right when I made the call, I suddenly started thinking about the Prophet (pbuh). How would he act if he was in a similar situation? Would he raise his voice at the representative on the other line who was not even responsible for the situation? He most likely would not. After having this thought, I remained calm on the phone. I handled the situation by kindly asking for an exchange, and that was the end of my shoe crisis. If I had expressed my anger to the sales representative like I initially wanted to, I would probably be complaining on the phone for an unnecessarily long period of time only to achieve the same outcome.

This may not be the best example, but hopefully it gets my point across. Controlling our anger not only benefits ourselves, but also those around us. I try to ask myself “What would the Prophet (pbuh) do?” frequently, and as a result, I find myself pausing and thinking before making any drastic decisions and/or actions. (I have also taught this method to my brother, and every time I am mad at him, he takes advantage and says: “Michelle, what would the Prophet do?

Of course, there will still be times when we will still express anger (like I do with my brother); none of us are perfect. However, we can still constantly strive to improve our character. Here is a challenge for everyone, think about what the Prophet (pbuh) would do next time you are faced with an undesired situation. Just try it next time when someone cuts you off on the road, and I guarantee it will help! May Allah (SWT) help us all achieve good character, ameen.

Challenge of the Day

Prophets in the Quran

 "And he who obeys Allah and the Messenger -they shall be with those whom Allah has favoured - the Prophets,...
Read More
Ask Me

Forgiveness from Kufr

Can I ask forgiveness from Allah if I commit kufr unknowingly? Salaam, The fact that you did it unknowingly and want to...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Parents’ Lesson

"We have enjoined man to be good to his parents. But if they urge you to ascribe to Me as...
Read More
Stories

Lost and Found…Money?!!!

During Ramadan, my brother and I went for a walk one day. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I...
Read More
Ask Me

Are Parents Responsible if a Child Leaves Islam?

Are parents responsible if a child decides to leave Islam even if parents did teach Islam, and the rules to...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Eid Traditions

"...And so that you may complete the number, and magnify Allah for guiding you, and that you may give thanks."...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Lessons from Ramadan

"...But to fast is best for you, if you only knew." [Quran 2:184] Challenge of the Day #69: What lessons...
Read More
Stories

Sunni or Shia?! Which are You?!

One day, I was heading to a Muslim Conference with some of the students from the UCLA MSA. I was...
Read More
Ask Me

Missing Praying Due to Family

I just wanted to say that I am a teenage girl who is a Muslim. I have not been very...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Food for Iftar!

"... And eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Excited for Ramadan?!

"The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

What’s Most Challenging?

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may...
Read More
Stories

Why Make Dua?!

One day, my mom returned from work and left her car keys and her mug on top of the table...
Read More
Ask Me

What Do I Do if My Parents Are Forcing Me to Read the Quran?

What Do I Do if My Parents Are Forcing Me to Read the Quran?  I think it is best if...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Approaching Ramadan

"The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs...
Read More
Ask Me

Do You Believe Hijab Is Mandatory or Optional?

Do You Believe Hijab Is Mandatory or Optional? Thank you for your question. I honestly do not know. If I...
Read More
Stories

Costly Procrastination!!!

One of my aunts is currently at a nursing care center for stroke recovery. The facility is like a hotel...
Read More
Ask Me

What is the most difficult aspect of Islam or being a Muslim?

What is the most difficult aspect of Islam or being a Muslim, and what are ways to overcome these difficulties?...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Why Do You Pray?

“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me,...
Read More
Challenge of the Day

Acts of Charity

"Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their...
Read More
Share
Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments