Anger, the Annihilation of the Heart of the Wise

As the pressures of life keep building up, we all experience anger. Anger is a normal, healthy response to a threat. However, if it becomes excessive, it should be controlled. It should be channeled and used for constructive purposes. Fighters build up anger before a fight. This shows how destructive this force can be.

Imam As-Sadeq (a.s.) has said: "Anger is the annihilation of the heart of the wise." This quote discusses the negative effects of anger. Anger affects the heart and mind of a person. An angry person loses common sense and stability. He becomes motivated by negative emotions. This eliminates his "heart," which means his intellect. It leads him to commit grave mistakes. He will ultimately regret these mistakes.

Anger stops a person from thinking straight. A person loses his ability to monitor his words and actions. He cannot approach issues with a critical view. Moreover, it undermines his will. It turns him into a hostile being. It puts him under the mercy of his unpredictable emotions.

As mentioned in a Hadith by Prophet Muhammad (p): "Anger corrupts faith in the same way vinegar destroys honey." This Hadith expresses how bad temper draws man away from faith. It makes him blind. He becomes incapable of realizing facts. These facts would help him resolve a matter. Adhering to Allah’s path requires stamina, patience, and deep thought.

Most people feel anger when they perceive something unpleasant. However, their reactions differ. This brings us to a question. Why are some people more prone to anger than others? Anger depends on the qualities of the individual. For instance, an arrogant person has an exaggerated self-opinion. He views others with a sense of inferiority. Such a person believes himself to be a god. He thinks his every wish should be fulfilled. Thus, he will not accept objection or criticism. These things trigger his anger.

Such a twisted nature pushes people to commit evil deeds. This happens with the slightest incitement. This behavior is especially apparent among people who have power. They hold themselves in high regard. They view others with disrespect and scorn. They are more likely to deny people their rights. They consider them as transgressors if they try to claim their rights. This ignites an outburst of anger.

How can we actually manage anger?

There are two means to manage anger. The first means involves controlling the reasons behind anger. This includes "cooling down" from the inside. If anger results from being arrogant or domineering, then one should take steps to manage it. One ought to strive to tame his temper. When anger arises, take time to cool down. Once you are calm, you can express your anger. By that time, it will be attenuated rather than devastating. The arrogant person should realize he is not entitled to coerce people. He cannot force them to fulfill his will or abide by his rules. A true Muslim understands people’s circumstances. He appreciates them. Thus, he would forgive their wrongdoing instead of bursting into anger.

As mentioned by Imam As-Sadeq (a.s.): "...A believer is not wise unless he possesses the following characteristics: people should expect good of him, they should feel immune from his wickedness. He must evaluate the good deeds of others as too much even if they are small. He should regard his own good deeds as insignificant even if they are too much. He should never be tired of acquiring knowledge throughout his life. He should never be annoyed when people approach him demanding fulfillment of their rights. He should prefer seclusion rather than outward fame and popularity..."

This quote discusses characteristics of a true Muslim. The issue of morals and ethics is emphasized. It is the most important quality in a Muslim.

The second means is to think of the consequences of anger. Feelings of resentment build up inside a person when he is mad. These feelings fester and seek expression. An angry person might yell. He might verbally abuse people. He might even assault them physically.

Imam Al-Rida (a.s.) defines an angry Muslim as someone who has lost his faith. Thus, having firm faith is related to restraining your anger. Certain Hadiths mention that an angry person must remember God's anger. God is angry because of his sins and wrongdoings. God has promised him not to act on His anger. Therefore, the person should abstain from punishing people who have provoked him.

Another way to channel anger is through exercise. An angry person can convert his destructive energy into productive energy. Physical activity provides an outlet for emotions. It stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.