Why Do I Get Angry When I See Others Commit Sins?

The feeling of anger and distress upon witnessing the sins and wrongdoings of others is a natural phenomenon, and in many cases, it has deep roots in human nature and our religious teachings. This anger can stem from gheerah (protective jealousy for Allah's sacred limits); that is, compassion and a sense of responsibility regarding divine boundaries that have been transgressed. In Islam, this sense of responsibility manifests in the concept of "enjoining good and forbidding evil" (amr bi al-ma'ruf wa nahy an al-munkar), which is a fundamental principle and a collective duty for Muslims. Allah states in the Holy Quran: "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." (Al-Imran: 104). This verse indicates that the existence of a group that invites to good and prevents evil is essential for success. Therefore, feeling distressed by others' sins can be a sign of a living religious zeal and a sense of responsibility, not necessarily a blameworthy matter. However, the crucial point is how this anger is expressed and managed. The Holy Quran advises us to suppress our anger and to be forgiving and merciful. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah enumerates the qualities of the righteous, saying: "Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good." (Al-Imran: 134). This verse clearly shows that suppressing anger, even when confronted with others' mistakes, is a moral virtue and a characteristic of the righteous. This does not mean indifference towards sin but rather controlling internal and external reactions to act more effectively and wisely. Sometimes, our anger at others' sins may stem not only from religious zeal but also from other psychological roots; for example, a feeling of helplessness in changing the situation, or even a type of hasty judgment and prejudice. If this anger, instead of being directed towards wise correction and guidance, leads to aggression, humiliation, or despair, it itself becomes a moral vice. The Holy Quran prohibits us from spying on others' affairs and from harboring ill suspicions. In Surah Al-Hujurat, we read: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other." (Al-Hujurat: 12). These verses guide us towards a more discerning and humane view of others and warn us against the whispers of Satan in hasty judgment. Therefore, when we encounter the sins of others, the first step after feeling religious zeal is to suppress anger and contemplate the best approach. This approach should be accompanied by wisdom (hikmah), good counsel (maw'izah hasanah), and debating in the best manner (mujadalah bi allati hiya ahsan). Allah says in Surah An-Nahl: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." (An-Nahl: 125). This verse provides a comprehensive roadmap for interacting with sinners: invitation with insight and wisdom, advice with kindness and compassion, and debate where respect and courtesy are maintained even in disagreements. Furthermore, it must be noted that guiding individuals is not in our hands; only Allah guides. In Surah Al-Qasas, it is stated: "Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided." (Al-Qasas: 56). This verse relieves us of the burden of necessarily seeing results; rather, our duty is to strive in the path of Allah and fulfill our responsibilities. This understanding can prevent futile anger and despair. Ultimately, anger arising from seeing others' sins, if managed correctly, can transform into a motivation for societal reform and the promotion of good. However, if uncontrolled and directed towards judgment, humiliation, or despair, it is neither beneficial to the sinner nor society, and it also harms one's own spiritual well-being. Hence, controlling anger and transforming it into compassion and constructive action, in accordance with Quranic teachings, is a path that leads to success and divine pleasure. This path requires patience, insight, and reliance on Allah. Let us remember that every human being is prone to error and needs gentle reminders and opportunities for repentance, just as we ourselves are in need of divine mercy and forgiveness. Therefore, we should always purify our intentions and base our actions on wisdom and compassion, with the awareness that true reform begins from within each individual, and Allah is the best Guide.