Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 174

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

مَن أَحَدَّ سِنَانَ الْغَضَبِ لله

He who sharpens the teeth of anger for the sake of Allah

قَوِيَ عَلَى قَتْلِ أَشِدَّاءِ الْبَاطِلِ.

acquires the strength to kill the stalwarts of wrong. 42

 

42. The person who rises to face wrong for the sake of Allah is afforded support and assistance from Allah and, despite lack of power and means, the forces of wrong cannot shake his determination or create a tremor in his steady feet. But if there is a tinge of personal benefit in his action he can be very easily prevented from his aim.