Understanding the impact of laughter on the heart is crucial for Muslims striving for spiritual growth. This article delves into the significance of smiles versus laughter, drawing wisdom from the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between joy and awareness of the afterlife – a key element in Islamic teachings on laughter.
The Sunnah of Smiling and Measuring Laughter
While not inherently forbidden, excessive laughter is discouraged. A believer should exhibit a smile (tabassum), with a cheerful countenance. However, boisterous laughter is considered a form of carelessness. It’s been said:
“Laughter kills the heart.”
This highlights the potential for distraction and detachment from spiritual matters.
A Smiling Face, an Afterlife Awareness
Muslims should be mindful of where they live, whose dominion they are under, and understand the verse: “He is with you wherever you may be.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 4). Islam doesn’t permit a harsh or frightening countenance. Our faces should reflect a smile (tabassum), but our hearts should hold a sense of concern for the afterlife and a recognition of divine guidance. The Prophet’s way of life taught us to balance joy with introspection.
Today, there are programs specifically designed to elicit laughter, which is undesirable. What we truly need isn’t laughter, but reflection and compassion. The world faces numerous challenges – in global affairs, family life, commerce, and even worship – that call for contemplation rather than frivolous amusement. We find ourselves in a situation requiring serious thought: “How should we be as servants of Allah?”
Therefore, we don’t need to be forced into laughter. If laughter arises from within our own selves or our desires, we must seek forgiveness. As humans, we are prone to error; sometimes we laugh without realizing it – a sign of heedlessness. True laughter is often a mark of distraction.
Instead, the Prophet (peace be upon him) exemplified a radiant smile that illuminated his presence. As Suleyman Çelebi eloquently put it: “A wondrous light, like the sun’s ray…” – the sun revolved around him, drawing its light from his being. The moon draws its light from the sun. And where does the sun get its light? It was believed to draw its light from the prophetic light (nur-i nabuwwat).
The Radiance and Smile of Prophet Muhammad
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “The face of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had such a radiant beauty that I would thread a needle at night by the light of his face.” While some may reject this account, we believe it to be true.
Let our faces reflect joy and smiles, but let us also hold a degree of sadness for the state of our community and ourselves. Let us hear their cries and feel their pain. Let us not be heedless.