Almuhtada.org – We are often emotionally stirred, especially in situations that cause anger. When a person can control their emotions, when their mind is more dominant than their emotions, that is when they have al-hilm.
Basically, all humans have anger. However, people’s ability to control their anger varies. Therefore, to possess the trait of al-hilm requires spiritual training and persistent effort to achieve it.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet SAW said,
إنما العلم بالتعلم والحلم بالتحلم
Meaning:
“Knowledge can only come from studying, and al-hilm can only come from trying.” (Narrated by Al-Khathib, rated hasan by Al-Albani)
Al-hilm (gentleness) can only be found in people who meet two requirements:
1. the ability to think broadly, and
2. a big heart.
The ability to think widely makes a person look far ahead. Before doing something, they first consider the benefits and harms that will result from that action. Meanwhile, greatness of soul makes a person able to control their emotions when they want to express their anger to others.
Rasulullah, said to one of his friends,
إِنَّ فِيْكَ خَصْلَتَيْنِ يُحِبُّهُمَا اللَّهُ الْحِلْمُ وَالأَنَاةُ
Meaning:
“Indeed, you have two characteristics that are greatly loved by Allah and His Prophet, which are the qualities of al-hilm (the ability to control one’s emotions) and al-anah (a calm and unhurried attitude).” (HR. Muslim)
When someone is able to control his anger, Allah will grant him great fortune, namely that he will be spared from the negative consequences of his anger, he will be avoided from Satan’s temptation to play with him, and Allah will even give him light in his thoughts so that he can weigh everything fairly and wisely.
Once, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, a wise and fair caliph, entered the mosque in the dark. Apparently, Umar passed by a man who was sleeping in the mosque. He accidentally stepped on a part of the man’s body.
The man immediately stood up and said, “Are you crazy?”
Umar’s guards wanted to hit the man. However, Umar said, “Don’t! He just asked me if I was crazy, and I answered, ‘No.’”
Masha’Allah, how beautiful was the trait of al-hilm that decorated the character of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz. He chose to be wise and not rush, even though he was the caliph at that time. Logically, he could have ordered his guards to punish the man.
That is a short explanation of the character of al-hilm. May it be beneficial. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and those who follow them with kindness until the Day of Judgment. [] Fahdina Dean Yustisia
