The lesson here is that the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—became angry when ʾUsāmah ibn Zayd interceded regarding one of Allah’s prescribed limits. Anger for Allah’s sake is praiseworthy, whereas anger motivated by revenge or self-interest is blameworthy. The Prophet ﷺ forbade such self-centered anger when a Companion asked him for advice. He said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated, “Give me more counsel,” and again he said, “Do not become angry.” A third time he requested, “Advise me,” and the Prophet replied, “Do not become angry.” The difference between the two kinds of anger is therefore evident.

Anger for Allah and for His laws is commendable; it follows the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and reveals a person’s protective zeal and love for establishing Allah’s rulings. By contrast, anger over personal matters should be suppressed; a person should act with forbearance. If he feels anger rising, let him seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed; if he is standing, let him sit, and if he is sitting, let him lie down. All of this helps diminish the anger. Allah is the One who grants success.

4/652 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ saw a spittle stain on the qiblah wall and was so distressed by it that the displeasure showed on his face. He stood up and scraped it off with his hand, then said, “When one of you stands for prayer, he is conversing with his Lord, and his Lord is between him and the qiblah, so none of you should spit toward the qiblah. Instead, let him spit to his left or under his foot.” He then took the edge of his cloak, spat in it, folded part of it over the other, and said, “Or he may do something like this.” Agreed upon.