“How does it make you feel when you hear about the growing acceptance of immoral behavior in media and public spaces?” I asked the children.
“I feel angry,” they responded.
“But isn’t anger a bad thing? Remember the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, where he repeatedly told a man: ‘Do not be angry.’” (Bukhari)
“So, what are you saying? That I shouldn’t be angry?”
“Not quite. I’m exploring this issue so that we are clear in our thoughts. Anger is an emotion Allah has created in us. Like all emotions, it has the power to do good or evil. It can be constructive or destructive.”
Understanding Anger: A Double-Edged Sword
Anger becomes constructive when it arises for the sake of Allah. It is Allah who has given us guidance and established clear boundaries between what is right and wrong. When these divine limits are violated—whether through acts of oppression, injustice, or immorality—such violations should evoke a feeling of anger. This anger is a form of moral response, driving us to act in defense of what Allah has decreed as just and upright.
This type of anger motivates believers to restore justice and balance. Without this emotion, tyranny and wrongdoing could persist unchecked, as no one would be spurred into action to rectify such issues.
The tabi’een Malik ibn Dinar shared a profound example:
“Allah, the Exalted, revealed to the angels to destroy a certain village. The angels said: ‘O our Lord, in it is Your worshipping slave.’ Allah, the Exalted, said: ‘Start with him, for his face never changed (i.e., turned red with anger for the sake of Allah) when he saw My prohibitions violated.’” (al-Bahr al-Muheet)
This demonstrates that a lack of moral outrage in the face of wrongdoing reflects complacency. Anger for Allah’s sake is an indicator of a heart attuned to His commands.
The Dangers of Ego-Driven Anger
On the other hand, anger for one’s own sake—stemming from ego, personal interests, or pride—is destructive. This type of anger often leads to injustice, tyranny, and harm. It is this form of anger that the Prophet ﷺ warned against in the hadith advising a man repeatedly to control his anger:
“Do not be angry.” (Bukhari)
The distinction between praiseworthy and forbidden anger is beautifully captured in a hadith narrated by Aisha (RA):
“The Prophet ﷺ never took revenge over anybody for his own sake but (he did) only when the limits of Allah were violated; in which case, he would take revenge for Allah’s sake.” (Bukhari)
Anger for Allah’s Sake: Regulated by Faith
When anger arises for Allah’s sake, iman (faith) becomes the consistent regulator of emotions. However, even with righteous anger, there is a risk of acting in ways that contradict Islamic principles. For any action to be accepted by Allah, two conditions must be met:
- The intention must be purely for Allah’s sake.
- The action must align with the Quran and Sunnah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If anyone loves for Allah’s sake, hates for Allah’s sake, gives for Allah’s sake, and withholds for Allah’s sake, he will have perfect iman.” (Abu Dawud)
This balance ensures that anger for Allah’s sake does not become a justification for un-Islamic behavior, such as vigilantism or taking the law into one’s own hands. For believers, the ends do not justify the means; both must align with Allah’s guidance.
A Modern Example: The Erosion of Moral Values
Consider the modern trend of openly promoting immorality through media, laws, and cultural norms. From the normalization of indecent behavior to the suppression of those who speak against it, we see divine limits being violated. As Muslims, it is natural to feel anger when witnessing such acts.
However, this anger should not lead to reckless actions. Instead, it should inspire us to:
- Understand the root causes of the issue. Why are such behaviors becoming widespread? What societal factors contribute to this decline in morality?
- Seek solutions grounded in the Quran and Sunnah. How can we counter these trends effectively, whether through education, advocacy, or personal reform?
- Engage in da’wah (invitation to Islam). By spreading awareness about Islamic values and demonstrating their benefits, we can counter the prevailing narrative.
For instance, anger about the loss of modesty in society might lead someone to:
- Teach youth about the beauty of Islamic values regarding modesty.
- Create positive media that aligns with Islamic ethics.
- Support policies that protect family values.
This type of response reflects constructive anger—channeled through righteous means to achieve outcomes that align with Allah’s commands.
Also Read: The Significance of Knowing Allah: Transforming Lives and Hearts
Anger in Context: Historical Lessons
Islamic history offers many examples of anger for Allah’s sake being a catalyst for positive change. One notable example is the reaction of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) when he learned about the abuse and persecution of Muslims in Makkah. Although he was initially opposed to Islam, his outrage upon seeing the injustices faced by the believers eventually led him to embrace the faith and become one of its staunchest defenders.
His anger did not manifest in reckless aggression. Instead, it fueled a desire to learn the truth and ultimately led to constructive actions that benefitted the Muslim community.
This example highlights how anger, when guided by faith, can lead to growth, transformation, and the restoration of justice.
Guarding Against Misguided Anger
While anger for Allah’s sake is praiseworthy, it is essential to guard against acting impulsively or unjustly. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to control our emotions and act thoughtfully, even in moments of intense anger.
He said:
“The strong man is not the one who can overpower others (in a physical sense); rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Practical steps to manage anger include:
- Seeking refuge in Allah from Shaytan.The Prophet ﷺ said: “If a man gets angry and says, ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan,’ his anger will go away.” (Abu Dawud)
- Changing physical posture.
The Prophet ﷺ advised: “If one of you gets angry while standing, let him sit down. If the anger goes away, fine; otherwise, let him lie down.” (Abu Dawud) - Performing wudu (ablution).
The coolness of water helps to calm the body and mind.
These practices ensure that anger remains controlled and constructive.
Channeling Anger into Positive Action
Anger for Allah’s sake should lead to action, but this action must be rooted in knowledge and wisdom. The Quran reminds us:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (Quran, 16:125)
Whether it is addressing injustices in society, challenging oppressive systems, or promoting Islamic values, our efforts should reflect the balance and mercy inherent in Islam.
Conclusion: A Gift When Used Rightly
Anger, like any emotion, is a gift from Allah. When used rightly, it becomes a tool for upholding justice, protecting the weak, and restoring balance. The key lies in ensuring that our anger is always for Allah’s sake, regulated by faith, and channeled into actions that align with His commands.
In a world where divine limits are frequently violated, righteous anger becomes a sign of a heart alive with iman. By channeling this emotion constructively, we fulfill our duty as stewards of Allah’s creation, working toward a world that reflects His justice and mercy.
