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Sahih al-Bukhari · 8 narrations

Hadith about anger

Strength, in these narrations, is measured by self-control rather than force. They describe what the Prophet ﷺ advised when anger rises, and how he himself responded when provoked.

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Sahih al-Bukhari 6114

Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that self-mastery and the ability to control one's anger are superior forms of strength and highly valued virtues. It emphasizes that inner discipline and emotional control are more significant than physical prowess.

In plain words

The Prophet (PBUH) clarifies that true strength is not about physical power or the ability to overpower others. Instead, the truly strong person is one who can control their own emotions and actions, especially when they are feeling angry.

Where it applies

  • Dealing with provocation
  • Managing conflict
  • Responding to insults
  • Maintaining composure under stress
  • Avoiding arguments

Sahih al-Bukhari 6116

Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)

حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ عَيَّاشٍ ـ عَنْ أَبِي حَصِينٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَجُلاً، قَالَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَوْصِنِي‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ لاَ تَغْضَبْ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَرَدَّدَ مِرَارًا، قَالَ ‏"‏ لاَ تَغْضَبْ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ) , "Advise me! "The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not become angry." The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said in each case, "Do not become angry."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that controlling anger is a fundamental and highly emphasized piece of advice from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The repetition of the instruction highlights its critical importance for a believer's character and conduct.

In plain words

A man approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) seeking advice. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly instructed him, saying, "Do not become angry." This emphasizes the profound importance of controlling one's temper and avoiding anger.

Where it applies

  • When feeling provoked or irritated
  • When seeking general life guidance for improving character
  • When dealing with interpersonal conflicts or disagreements
  • When striving for inner peace and emotional stability

Sahih al-Bukhari 7422

Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَّا قَضَى الْخَلْقَ كَتَبَ عِنْدَهُ فَوْقَ عَرْشِهِ إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي سَبَقَتْ غَضَبِي ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When Allah had finished His creation, He wrote over his Throne: 'My Mercy preceded My Anger.'

What it teaches

It teaches about the vastness and precedence of Allah's ﷻ Mercy over His Anger, indicating that His primary disposition towards His creation is one of immense compassion and forgiveness.

In plain words

This hadith conveys that when Allah ﷻ completed the creation of all things, He inscribed a profound statement above His Throne. This statement declares that His boundless Mercy is always greater and takes precedence over His Anger.

Where it applies

  • When feeling despair or fear of Allah's ﷻ punishment
  • Understanding Allah's ﷻ nature and attributes
  • Seeking forgiveness from Allah ﷻ
  • Reflecting on divine justice and mercy

Sahih al-Bukhari 7158

Book of Judgments (Ahkaam)

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْمَلِكِ بْنُ عُمَيْرٍ، سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ، قَالَ كَتَبَ أَبُو بَكْرَةَ إِلَى ابْنِهِ وَكَانَ بِسِجِسْتَانَ بِأَنْ لاَ تَقْضِيَ بَيْنَ اثْنَيْنِ وَأَنْتَ غَضْبَانُ، فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَقْضِيَنَّ حَكَمٌ بَيْنَ اثْنَيْنِ وَهْوَ غَضْبَانُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated `Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakra:

Abu Bakra wrote to his son who was in Sijistan: 'Do not judge between two persons when you are angry, for I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "A judge should not judge between two persons while he is in an angry mood."

What it teaches

This Hadith teaches that emotional states, particularly anger, can compromise impartiality and sound judgment. Therefore, individuals in positions of authority, especially those tasked with resolving disputes or making critical decisions, must ensure they are free from such emotional influences to uphold justice.

In plain words

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed that a judge must not make decisions between two parties while in a state of anger. This Hadith, transmitted by Abu Bakra (RA) to his son, highlights the necessity of a calm and composed mind for rendering fair and just judgments.

Where it applies

  • A judge presiding over a court case
  • An arbitrator mediating a conflict
  • A manager making a disciplinary decision
  • Any person in authority making a critical decision affecting others

Sahih al-Bukhari 6678

Book of Oaths and Vows

حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ بُرَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى، قَالَ أَرْسَلَنِي أَصْحَابِي إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَسْأَلُهُ الْحُمْلاَنَ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ وَاللَّهِ لاَ أَحْمِلُكُمْ عَلَى شَىْءٍ ‏"‏‏.‏ وَوَافَقْتُهُ وَهْوَ غَضْبَانُ فَلَمَّا أَتَيْتُهُ قَالَ ‏"‏ انْطَلِقْ إِلَى أَصْحَابِكَ فَقُلْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ ـ أَوْ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَحْمِلُكُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Musa:

My companions sent me to the Prophet (ﷺ) to ask him for some mounts. He said, "By Allah! I will not mount you on anything!" When I met him, he was in an angry mood, but when I met him (again), he said, "Tell your companions that Allah or Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) will provide you with mounts."

What it teaches

This hadith illustrates how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initially responded to a request while in a state of anger, even making an oath, but later, through divine will or a change in his disposition, reversed his decision and promised provision. It highlights the Prophet's (PBUH) role as a provider for his community and that initial emotional responses do not always represent the final outcome.

In plain words

Abu Musa (RA) was sent by his companions to ask Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for riding animals. Initially, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) refused with an oath, as he was angry. However, later, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed Abu Musa (RA) to tell his companions that Allah ﷻ or His Messenger (PBUH) would indeed provide them with mounts.

Where it applies

  • When a leader is approached for assistance or provision
  • When making a decision while in an angry state
  • When seeking provision from an authority figure
  • When an initial refusal is later overturned
  • Understanding the Prophet's (PBUH) human nature and subsequent divine guidance

Sahih al-Bukhari 6336

Book of Invocations

حَدَّثَنَا حَفْصُ بْنُ عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، أَخْبَرَنِي سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ قَسَمَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَسْمًا فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ إِنَّ هَذِهِ لَقِسْمَةٌ مَا أُرِيدَ بِهَا وَجْهُ اللَّهِ‏.‏ فَأَخْبَرْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَغَضِبَ حَتَّى رَأَيْتُ الْغَضَبَ فِي وَجْهِهِ وَقَالَ ‏ "‏ يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ مُوسَى، لَقَدْ أُوذِيَ بِأَكْثَرَ مِنْ هَذَا فَصَبَرَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah:

The Prophet (ﷺ) divided something (among the Muslims) and distributed the shares (of the booty). A man said, "This division has not been made to please Allah." When I informed the Prophet (ﷺ) about it, he became so furious that I noticed the signs of anger on his face and he then said, "May Allah bestow His Mercy on Moses, for he was hurt with more than this, yet he remained patient."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that even Prophets faced unfair criticism and accusations, and it highlights the importance of patience and endurance in the face of such challenges. It also demonstrates Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) human emotions, his ability to control his anger, and his reflection upon the examples of previous Prophets (PBUH) for strength and solace.

In plain words

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) distributed shares of something, which led a man to unfairly question the Prophet's (PBUH) sincerity, claiming the division was not for Allah's ﷻ sake. Upon hearing this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became visibly angry, but then reflected on the greater patience of Prophet Musa (PBUH) who endured even more severe harm.

Where it applies

  • When facing unfair criticism or accusations about one's intentions
  • When experiencing anger due to unjust remarks
  • Leaders dealing with dissent or complaints regarding their decisions
  • Seeking strength and patience by reflecting on the trials of Prophets (PBUH)

Sahih al-Bukhari 3282

Book of Beginning of Creation

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَانُ، عَنْ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ عَدِيِّ بْنِ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ صُرَدٍ، قَالَ كُنْتُ جَالِسًا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَرَجُلاَنِ يَسْتَبَّانِ، فَأَحَدُهُمَا احْمَرَّ وَجْهُهُ وَانْتَفَخَتْ أَوْدَاجُهُ، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ إِنِّي لأَعْلَمُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا ذَهَبَ عَنْهُ مَا يَجِدُ، لَوْ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ‏.‏ ذَهَبَ عَنْهُ مَا يَجِدُ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالُوا لَهُ إِنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏"‏ تَعَوَّذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالَ وَهَلْ بِي جُنُونٌ

Narrated Sulaiman bin Surd:

While I was sitting in the company of the Prophet, two men abused each other and the face of one of them became red with anger, and his jugular veins swelled (i.e. he became furious). On that the Prophet said, "I know a word, the saying of which will cause him to relax, if he does say it. If he says: 'I seek Refuge with Allah from Satan.' then all is anger will go away." Some body said to him, "The Prophet has said, 'Seek refuge with Allah from Satan."' The angry man said, "Am I mad?"

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that seeking refuge with Allah ﷻ from Satan is a potent spiritual remedy for controlling intense anger. It also illustrates that individuals consumed by anger may sometimes reject beneficial guidance, highlighting the challenge of self-control.

In plain words

This hadith describes Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observing two men arguing, one becoming visibly angry. The Prophet (PBUH) advised that saying 'I seek Refuge with Allah ﷻ from Satan' would calm his anger. However, when this advice was relayed, the angry man questioned it, implying he didn't need it.

Where it applies

  • Experiencing intense anger
  • Witnessing arguments
  • Seeking protection from Shaytan
  • Managing emotional outbursts

Sahih al-Bukhari 6141

Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)

حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عَدِيٍّ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ، قَالَ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي بَكْرٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما جَاءَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ بِضَيْفٍ لَهُ أَوْ بِأَضْيَافٍ لَهُ، فَأَمْسَى عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمَّا جَاءَ قَالَتْ أُمِّي احْتَبَسْتَ عَنْ ضَيْفِكَ ـ أَوْ أَضْيَافِكَ ـ اللَّيْلَةَ‏.‏ قَالَ مَا عَشَّيْتِهِمْ فَقَالَتْ عَرَضْنَا عَلَيْهِ ـ أَوْ عَلَيْهِمْ فَأَبَوْا أَوْ ـ فَأَبَى، فَغَضِبَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ فَسَبَّ وَجَدَّعَ وَحَلَفَ لاَ يَطْعَمُهُ، فَاخْتَبَأْتُ أَنَا فَقَالَ يَا غُنْثَرُ‏.‏ فَحَلَفَتِ الْمَرْأَةُ لاَ تَطْعَمُهُ حَتَّى يَطْعَمَهُ، فَحَلَفَ الضَّيْفُ ـ أَوِ الأَضْيَافُ ـ أَنْ لاَ يَطْعَمَهُ أَوْ يَطْعَمُوهُ حَتَّى يَطْعَمَهُ، فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ كَأَنَّ هَذِهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ فَدَعَا بِالطَّعَامِ فَأَكَلَ وَأَكَلُوا فَجَعَلُوا لاَ يَرْفَعُونَ لُقْمَةً إِلاَّ رَبَا مِنْ أَسْفَلِهَا أَكْثَرُ مِنْهَا، فَقَالَ يَا أُخْتَ بَنِي فِرَاسٍ مَا هَذَا فَقَالَتْ وَقُرَّةِ عَيْنِي إِنَّهَا الآنَ لأَكْثَرُ قَبْلَ أَنْ نَأْكُلَ فَأَكَلُوا وَبَعَثَ بِهَا إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ أَنَّهُ أَكَلَ مِنْهَا‏.‏

Narrated `Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr:

Abu Bakr came with a guest or some guests, but he stayed late at night with the Prophet (ﷺ) and when he came, my mother said (to him), "Have you been detained from your guest or guests tonight?" He said, "Haven't you served the supper to them?" She replied, "We presented the meal to him (or to them), but he (or they) refused to eat." Abu Bakr became angry, rebuked me and invoked Allah to cause (my) ears to be cut and swore not to eat of it!" I hid myself, and he called me, "O ignorant (boy)!" Abu Bakr's wife swore that she would not eat of it and so the guests or the guest swore that they would not eat of it till he ate of it. Abu Bakr said, "All that happened was from Satan." So he asked for the meals and ate of it, and so did they. Whenever they took a handful of the meal, the meal grew (increased) from underneath more than that mouthful. He said (to his wife), "O, sister of Bani Firas! What is this?" She said, "O, pleasure of my eyes! The meal is now more than it had been before we started eating'' So they ate of it and sent the rest of that meal to the Prophet. It is said that the Prophet (ﷺ) also ate of it.

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the importance of controlling anger, recognizing its potential source from Satan, and the need to rectify hasty oaths. It also illustrates Allah's ﷻ miraculous blessings and the virtue of hospitality towards guests.

In plain words

This hadith describes how Abu Bakr (RA) became angry when his guests initially refused food, leading to him making an oath not to eat. He later recognized his anger and oath were from Satan, broke his oath, and then a miracle occurred where the food continuously increased as they ate. They subsequently shared the blessed food with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Where it applies

  • When hosting guests and facing unexpected challenges
  • Dealing with anger and its immediate consequences
  • Reflecting on hasty oaths made in frustration
  • Witnessing or experiencing divine blessings in daily life
  • Understanding the role of Satan in provoking negative emotions

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