Asalam alaykum..
ANGER AND BITTERNESS
Today, let us draw inspiration from Surah Al-Imran (Q.3:134), where Allah (SWT) identifies three acts as good deeds:
1. Spending, whether in times of ease or financial constraints
2. Restraining anger
3. Forgiving or pardoning others.
I would like to focus on the importance of restraining anger.
Anger and bitterness, often rooted in an unwillingness to forgive, weigh heavily on the heart. These feelings are worse than physical imprisonment, as they trap the soul in pain, suffering, and negativity.
I want us to consider the following story of a cobra, which illustrates the dangers of anger and bitterness:
As a carpenter left his workshop for the day, a black poisonous cobra entered, hoping to find something to eat. The cobra slithered around and accidentally bumped into a double-edged metal axe, getting slightly injured.
Enraged and seeking revenge, the snake bit the axe with full force, but its bite could do nothing to the metal. Instead, the cobra’s mouth began to bleed.
Still filled with anger and arrogance, the cobra tightly coiled around the axe, attempting to strangle and “kill” it. The next day, when the carpenter returned, he found the cobra dead, fatally injured by its own actions.
The cobra died not because of someone else’s fault, but as a consequence of its own anger and bitterness.
Reflections
This story reminds us of how anger can lead us to harm ourselves more than we harm others. When we hold onto anger and bitterness, we end up hurting ourselves in ways we may not even intend.
The lesson here is that anger and bitterness often hurt us more than they hurt others. Sometimes, in anger, we act out in hopes of causing pain to someone else. But, as time passes, we realize that we’ve inflicted more pain on ourselves. For a peaceful life, it’s best to learn to ignore certain things, people, incidents, and matters.
It’s not always necessary to respond to everything. Pause and ask yourself if a situation truly warrants a reaction. Holding onto bitterness and grudges does not make us stronger; rather, it breeds pain within us.
Learn to let go of entangled issues for the sake of Allah. Remember, Allah has protected you from countless hardships you weren’t even aware of and blessed you with many things you didn’t ask for. Most of the worries in life are insignificant in the grand scheme of our goals and often beyond our control. This is Allah’s way of reminding us Who is ultimately in control.
Therefore, control your anger, as the word “anger” is only one letter away from “danger.” It is better to focus on becoming the best version of ourselves, even in moments of provocation.
Always wear the cloak of patience, as a single moment of patience in anger can prevent a thousand moments of regret. Forgive, entrust the issue to Allah, and let the natural course of karma unfold. To forgive is to display strength and kindness. Forgiveness is the beginning of healing, while clinging to grudges, resentment, and thoughts of revenge only create more pain for ourselves.
On this blessed Jum’at day, may Allah grant you patience, wisdom, and a forgiving heart. May He protect you from the harm of anger, grant you the strength to overlook others’ faults, and fill your life with peace and contentment.
I also pray for a positive multiplication of divine grace in your life. May Allah (SWT) bless what is in your hands as you give for His sake, and may He use you as an answer to others’ prayers, now and in the future.
May Allah make your providence wholesome and nourishing and insha’Allah, you will continue to receive His abundant grace in all aspects of your life.
Ameen ya Allah, wa Jum’ah mubarak
