Imaam Fakhruddeen Razi narrates an incident in his Tafseer-e-Kabeer. Once, prior to receiving prophethood, Moosa (alaihis salam)’s lamb ran away from his flock. Moosa (alaihis salam) ran behind it for miles on end in order to catch it. In the process he hurt his feet by running through thorn thickets which pierced his skin causing him to bleed profusely. The lamb continued running until it too was bruised and battered. Finally, it stood at one place, breathing heavily, unable to run anymore.
Moosa (alaihis salam) caught the tired little animal and instead of being angry at it, consoled the animal with tears flowing from his eyes, saying, “O sheep, if you did not feel sorry for Moosa, you should at least have pitied yourself. Why did you put yourself through so much trouble?” Before removing the thorns from his own feet, Moosa (alaihis salam) first removed the thorns from the sheep, then rubbed and pressed its legs, lifted it up onto his shoulders and carried it back to the flock.
Imagine what we would have done to the animal it it had caused us so much trouble and pain. Perhaps we would have beaten the poor animal or even slaughtered it. But what did Moosa (alaihis salam) do? He showed no sign of anger, instead he showed great mercy for the weak creation of Allah.
Imaam Fakhruddeen Razi writes that the angels said to Allah, “O Allah! This person is worthy of becoming a prophet because of his qualities of tolerance and patience. O Allah! Do make him a prophet.” (This incident took place before Moosa (alaihis salam) was given prophethood.) Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) replied, “I have already chosen him to be My prophet.”
Those for whom Allah has destined high stages, He imbues with noble qualities and strength of tolerance. It is not correct to become mad with anger at the slightest provocation.
This hadith has been sent to me by dailyhadith.