Could you please tell me of the best way to overcome anger and the ability to control oneself in difficult and challenging circumstances. I'm aware of the significance of reciting "A'udhu Billaahi mina sh-Shaytaanir-Rajeem" - "I seek protection of Allaah against the accursed satan". However certain situations get the better of you, so please advise of a practical solution!

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

If a person gets angry very easily, the first thing he should be advised with is to avoid the reasons which make him angry. Some scholars interpreted the Prophetic narration in which the Prophet advised one of his companions : "Do not get angry.” [Al-Bukhari]; as ‘to avoid the reasons which make you angry.’ Then he should endeavour to be patient and forbearing, as this could be acquired. Indeed the Prophet said: "Knowledge is acquired by seeking it, and patience is gained by practising to be patient, whoever seeks to do good, Allaah will enable him to do so, and whoever avoids evil, Allaah will enable him to avoid it.” [At-Tabaraani] Furthermore, he should remember the bad consequences of getting angry. However, when someone is already angry, then he should follow many Prophet instructions that are clarified in Fatwa 88764.

Finally, it should be noted that if a person suffers from any physical or psychological diseases which cause him to get irritated very quickly, then he should consult specialist doctors.

Allaah Knows best.