/ The strong man is not the one who can overpower others; rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry

The strong man is not the one who can overpower others; rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The strong man is not the one who can overpower others; rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry."
Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) points out that true strength is not the strength of a person's body or his ability to overpower other strong men. But a truly strong person is one who strives to control and restrain himself while in a fit of rage. This indicates the power he exercises over himself and his ability to overpower the devil.

Hadeeth benefits

  1. The Hadīth points out the merit of forbearance and self-restraint while in anger and that it is one of the righteous acts encouraged by Islam.
  2. Self-restraint in the moment of anger is more difficult than striving against the enemy.
  3. Islam has transformed the jāhiliyyah (ignorance) notion of strength into noble manners. The most powerful person is he who maintains great self-restraint.
  4. We should avoid anger, given its harmful effects on individuals as well as society.