A Man who sought guidance from Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

A simple unlettered man from the desert once arrived in Medina and came to Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He asked Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to give him a word of advice, which he said he would follow. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Control your anger." And then Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remained silent.

When he returned to the interior of the desert where he lived, he found that the situation has become quite tense. Some audacious young man from his tribe had raided another tribe in the vicinity and stolen their wealth. In retaliation, the other tribe had also carried out some raids. Now they were at war. Immediately he prepared himself to defend his tribe and was angered by the outrageous conduct of the adversaries.

Just as he stood in line to fight, he suddenly recalled what Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had told him. "Control your anger". He was soon engrossed in deep thought. Admonishing himself, he said: "The anger has taken better of my reason. I have set out to fight without trying for an amicable settlement. What a shame!"

He came forward and addressed the leaders of the opposite side: "Brothers, what is this war for? If my people have raided your side and stolen your property, we could sit together and agree upon compensation. I am prepared to recompense form my personal wealth."

The leaders from the opposite side felt totally disarmed by this new approach. They soon realized that bloodshed was not at all worth anything. So with all the magnanimity, their chief said: "Well, you have agreed to recompense. But we are in no way inferior. We have agreed to forego our demand!"

And both parties peacefully retreated to their places.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry."

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said, "When one of you becomes angry while standing he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down."