Types of Laughter
Muhammad ibn al-Nu’man ibn Abd al-Salam said: “I have never seen anyone more devout than Yahya ibn Hammad, and I think he never laughed.”
I say: Smiling and light laughter are preferable. The absence of laughter among scholars falls into two categories:
- Praiseworthy: When it is done out of good manners, fear of Allah, and sorrow for one’s own wretched state.
- Blameworthy: When it is done out of foolishness, arrogance, or pretense.
Excessive laughter leads to being taken lightly, and there is no doubt that laughter in youth is more excusable than in old age.
As for smiling and having a cheerful countenance, they are superior to all of this. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Your smile in the face of your brother is charity.”
Jarir said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never saw me except that he smiled.” This is the character of Islam. The highest station is for one who weeps at night and smiles during the day.
There is something else to consider: Those who are prone to laughter and smiling should moderate it and reproach themselves so that they do not become distasteful to others. Conversely, those who are stern and reserved should strive to smile, improve their character, and reproach themselves for their poor manners. Any deviation from moderation is blameworthy, and the soul must be disciplined and trained.
(Siyarul A’laamin Nubalaa: 10/140)
