DAILY POST #73
Imaam Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalaani – rahimahullaah said:
It is reported from Abu Hurairah radiyallaahu anhu- who said – The Messenger of Allah -salallaahu alayhi wasallam said:
“The strong man is not the good wrestler; but the strong man is he who controls himself when he is angry.”
Transmitted and recorded by Imaam Bukhaari in “Adabul Mufrad”#6114 and Imaam Muslim in his “Sahih”#2609.
COMMENTARY
The hadith shows the importance of the following:
♦ It encourages one to be patient and not to be upset on his brother. How difficult is it to practice patience and forbearance when being provoked? At the same time, how many times have we responded much too sensitively, although we were not the clear target of anyone’s malice?
How many hearts have been lost in an effort to win arguments? And yet, as human beings it is natural and even our right to disagree, and to think critically. One of the most difficult challenges of character for Muslims of every background is being able to practice hilm (forbearance) during times of anger and disagreement that is to be able to disagree with a dignified and generous spirit, and to think critically without being argumentative, stubborn, and condescending.
♦ It shows that the strong person is one who is able to forgive and control himself when he his angry. How beautiful it is to overlook painful and hurt time? Without any doubt, only the strong and great people can have this conduct. Those who rise with their noble characters above lowliness of retribution, revenge, envy, malice and rage. Life is very short and the hereafter is on our doorsteps. It is too short indeed for us to soil our short life with all forms of mischievous behaviors.
♦ It indicates that to be a good wrestler does not shows one is strong in Islam context. But rather, putting away all those deadly diseases of the heart implies one is strong. Therefore, we should not torment ourselves. We should have understanding minds, forget the past and continue to live our life as normal between our friends, relatives, neighbors and rest of the people.
♦ And lastly, may Allah help us to remember that when we deal with people, our transactions are actually with Allah and not His creation. As such, may the awareness of His presence bring
goodness from our speech and characters during times of difficulty as well as ease Ameen.
Allaahu A’alam!
Baarakallaahu feekum!
