Anger:How to control your anger? Islamic & Scientific methods

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Table of contents:

1. Why do we feel angry?

2. Effects of anger on our body:Scientifically 

3. How to control it?Islamic & Scientific tips

4. The similitude of Prophet ﷺ 

5. Conclusion

Anger begins with a crazy rage and ends with regret. Most of us face this issue in our lives and for some of us, it has embedded into our lives to such a degree that we don't even realize it anymore. Let's see what it is and how to control it. 

1. Why do we feel angry?

Anger, like other elemental emotions, is a part of the human nature. Scientifically, it is an intense feeling of displeasure, frustration, annoyance with somebody or a thing due to its specific action/characteristic. In terms of psychology, it's normal but becomes problematic when left it out of control But in islam it's something that is considered from shaitan and should be controlled.

2. Effects of anger on our body:Scientifically  

According to the report of the American Psychological Association, 2018

Anger triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which although increase our strength and energy for a moment, but at the same time increases heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Chronic anger can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and weakened immunity. Moreover, this anger drives an individual insane, doing stuff he otherwise wouldn't have done and as expected, he regrets his action or speech, filling him with stress and depression afterwards.

Also read: how to control stress?Isalmic & Scientific way

3. How to control it?Islamic & Scientific tips

Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reported that a man said to the Prophet ﷺ : 

  "advise me ".The Prophet ﷺ said "don't become angry." The man repeated his request several times and he ﷺ replied" don't become angry". 

Sahih Bukhari 6116

Prophet ﷺ emphasized heavily on controlling anger as anger leads to doors of many sins and regrets. 

He ﷺ further advised that 

"If one of you get angry while standing, let him sit down. If anger goes away, good. Otherwise, he should lie down.

Sunnah Abu Dawood Hadith 4782 

This sounds plain and simple but is really effective, if you just try. He ﷺ further advised us.

Anger is from Satan and Satan is created from fire. So whenever one of you gets angry, let him perform ablution.

Abu Dawood 4784 

This has been further 

proved by Science in International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health, 2020,

that anger is associated with increased heart rate ,cooling down through ablution aligns with modern findings that cold exposure reduces stress and calms the nervous system.

4. The similitude of Prophet ﷺ

 

 It is mentioned in such books like Seal Nectar by Saif-e-Rahman Mubarakpuri that when 

the people of Taif rejected the Prophet ﷺ and physically harmed him, he prayed for their guidance instead of cursing them.

  Sounds a simple, easy thing for a prophet, but after all, he was also a human.

   Try visualizing such disrespect and torture happening with you.

Apart from this,

A bedouin urinated in the mosque and the people ran to (beat) him. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do not interrupt his urination (i.e. let him finish)." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) asked for a tumbler of water and poured the water over the place of urine.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6025

Moreover once 

A man demanded his debts from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in such a rude manner that the companions of the Prophet intended to harm him, but the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Leave him, no doubt, for he (the creditor) has the right to demand it (harshly). Buy a camel and give it to him." They said, "The camel that is available is older than the camel he demands. "The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Buy it and give it to him, for the best among you are those who repay their debts handsomely. "

Sahih al-Bukhari 2390

All these incidents, and more like this, clearly states the self-control he had, which we are lacking.

 Keeping all these things in mind, just start today your journey of attaining self-control. Remember, whenever you feel angry, instead of reacting immediately,

• Wait for a few minutes.

• Sit down if you are standing, and lie down if you are sitting.

• Go and perform ablution.

• Remember the Prophetﷺs similitude.

All this can help you in controlling your anger and increasing self-control

5. Conclusion

Anger is a natural emotion but becomes destructive when left unchecked, affecting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Islam and science both emphasize the importance of managing anger. Through prophetic advice, such as sitting, lying down, performing ablution, or showing kindness, we can control this emotion effectively. The Prophet ﷺ exemplified remarkable patience and restraint, even in challenging situations, inspiring us to emulate his character. By practicing self-awareness, regulating our responses, and following these teachings, we can transform anger into a means of growth, fostering inner peace, improved relationships, and a closer connection to Allah. Start this journey of self-control today.

 اللهم مُصَرِّفَ الْقُلُوْبِ صَرِّفْ قُلُوْبَنَا عَلَى طَاعتِكَ

O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience

Ameen. 

Comment down any question or dought you have regarding islam and its doctrines. Future blogs will inshallah include the solution to them ☺️

Fiqh & hadith related doughts will be explained by ulema of the specific fields inshallah