ANGER VERSUS PATIENCE: COMPARISON OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON EXPRESSING AND CONTROLLING ANGER

Abstract

In the current times when anxiety, depression, and violence, anger as a psychological disorder is known to be the most commonly experienced emotion. It can be considered to be the most poorly handled human emotion both at individual and societal level. The research about anger and health suggests that anger and hostility are strongly linked to increased risk factor for many diseases and are potential triggers for long-term illnesses. Anger often results in hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes. On the other hand, patience is a trait which can counter such illnesses and can help cure the anger. Alongside this, religiosity, especially in case of Islam, can be used as effective tool for the treatment of patient’s sufferings with diseases caused by anger. The nearest to Allah from His creations are those who are patient and grateful. Patience is the initial step of victory and a prerequisite for effective leadership. Virtues of patience are unlimited. One of the most notable among them is the control on anger. The current research is based on the process of controlling the anger through by developing the praiseworthy trait of patience. The first part of the paper presents an overview of literature related to anger as a problem in the field of psychology. Second part describes anger as an emotion from Islamic perspective. The third part deals with the triggers of anger as suggested by the health experts. Fourth part presents the introduction to patience as a desirable trait in Islam. This is followed by a description of patience as a cure for controlling anger with reference to the Quran and Hadith. Last part is about the role and importance of patience in addressing the issue of anger according to the teachings of Quran and Hadith. Being Muslims who wish to control our anger, we should create the trait of patience with an intentions to having a strong belief and trust in Allah and receiving reward from Him only.