In the religion of Islam there exists a large body of ‘accounts’ – words, actions and even moments of silent approval from the Prophet Mohammed, which are called hadith These are distinct from the scripture of the Qur’an, which Muslims believe to be the revealed word of God. The hadith, which serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, were transmitted orally by the followers, and only recorded several generations after the death of the Prophet. The following accounts deal with the question of anger and forbearance.
The Prophet, may peace be upon him, said, “No one becomes angry without drawing closer to the brink of hell.”
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It is told that a man once addressed the Prophet, saying to him, “O Messenger of God, tell me of a deed I should do, even if small.”
He was told, “Do not be angry!”
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It is related that the Messenger of God, may God’s blessings and peace be upon him, once asked his followers : “Whom do you consider to be the strongest among you?”
They replied, “The one whom others cannot defeat.” But he said, “It is not so; it is the one who controls himself when angry.”
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And he said to his Companions, “Seek elevation in God’s sight!”
“And what is that, O Messenger of God?” they asked, and he replied : “To preserve your bonds with those who sever theirs with you, to give to those who withhold from you, and to be forbearing with those who mistreat you.”
Dear Nawab, I find myself worried by this. It is a model teaching for women who have been enculturated to be enablers. But to experience a flash of our own anger can be a healthy wake up and an indication that something important is being transgressed. It’s obviously better to understand what is firing the anger than to act on it raw but maybe sometimes immediate action is required. Elimination of anger as a spiritual ideal would seem to be a debilitating requirement if not understood with some subtlety. I would appreciate, as ever, your commentary.
Dear Zora, Loving thanks for your thoughts. As you rightly say, some subtlety is needed, for virtually all of the spiritual advice given by the wise depends upon circumstance and context. Anger can be understood as an expression of frustration. When it is a selfish impulse that is being frustrated, then the anger will only enshrine the selfishness, but there are certainly moments when the flash of anger points out to us a limitation – perhaps imposed from without, but perhaps also unconsciously accepted by us – that we could strive to overcome.
It’s worth remembering that the Prophet also led military campaigns, which implies that we may sometimes need to take up a weapon in life. But it is also worth remembering the example of Ali, who, about to slay his enemy on the battlefield, relented when the man spat in his face – because he would not kill his enemy in anger. In other words, act for the right, by all means, but if at all possible, rise above anger when you do it.
What a splendid response, thank you Nawab.