The Holy Prophet (s.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) has said, " Whoever can swallow his anger, most surely Allah (S.W.T.) will fill his heart with peace and faith." The Muslims at the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and Aimmah (a.s.) knew the great emphasis placed on control of ones anger by Islam and they strived to achieve this state. We can see their admirable will throughout history. Let us look at just one story and try to learn from it. A MAN OF STRENGTH A tall and masculine man was passing through the market.

He was wearing a long robe of modest cloth and had a piece of the same material as his turban. One of his eyes was injured, probably in a battle. As he walked past the stalls, a group of men noticed him. One of them, having nothing better to do, decided to provide amusement for his friends. He picked up some grass and threw it at the man, calling out in a mocking tone. His friends laughed at this scene. The man however, did not react. He brushed the grass off his clothes and walked away calmly.

When he was out of hearing, an old man who had witnessed the entire incident walked up the group and asked them, "Do you know who that was?" The youth who had thrown the grass replied: "No, but what does it matter who he was? He couldn't even stand up for himself! What a coward!" The old man looked at him in surprise, "The man you have insulted is Malike- Ashtar! He is the Commander-in-Chief of the army of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the most powerful man in these times.

Haven't you heard about his courage in battles? Even the most powerful enemies of Islam shake in awe and fear him." The ignorant man's face turned pale and he began to tremble. "O God!" he exclaimed. "Malike-Ashtar! What a fool I was to behave that way! I have destroyed my reputation and my self. I had better go and apologize before I have to face the consequences!" He ran in the direction Malike-Ashtar had taken and finally found him praying in the mosque.

He stood in the corner, hanging his head in shame and waited for him to finish his prayers. As soon as Malike-Ashtar completed his salaat, the man went near him and greeted him. He then apologized profusely and asked him to forgive his rudeness. Malike-Ashtar looked at the man said him, "It is true that your actions made me angry but as soon as I took a glance at your face when you threw the grass on my face, I realized that you acted out of ignorance.

For that reason, I controlled my anger and remained calm. I forgave you with all my heart immediately.