10/10/2021
LAUGHTER (EXCESSIVE); AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE!
In Qur'an 53: 43 Allah the Most High says,
And that it is He who makes (one) laughs and weeps.
As Muslims, we ought to understand that, there is no aspect of life that Allah's apostle has not taught us (in his authentic traditions) how to live by. And every imitation of his life is rewarding.
As Qur'an 33:73 says:
You have indeed, in the life of Rasool-Allah(S. A. W.), the 'Best Model' for him whose hope is in Allah and the Day of the Hereafter, and who engages himself much in the remembrance of Allah.
The legs of Allah's messenger (peace be upon him) were slender, his laughter was no more than a smile, and when I looked at him I thought that there was collyrium in his eyes, but there was not.
(Tirmidhi transmitted it.)
According to an authentic hadith, the Prophet (S. A. W.) said; Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter kills the heart (spiritually). Ibn Majah
A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated; I never saw the Messanger of Allah laughing so heartily that his back teeth were visible: he would only smile. (Bukhari)
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Who will accept those words from me and act upon them, or teach people who will act upon them?" When he replied that he would he took him by the hand and counting five characteristics, said, "If you guard against the things which are forbidden, you will be the most devout of men; if you are pleased with what Allah has allotted, you will be the richest of men; if you are kind to your neighbour, you will be a believer; if you like others to have what you like for yourself, you will be a Muslim; and do not laugh immoderately, for immoderate laughter causes the heart to die."
Moreover, excessive laughter has a number of negative effects, such as:
1- It makes gatherings explode with echoing, unpleasant laughter.
2- The hearts of believers are spiritually corrupted by too much laughter: they open their mouths too wide, instead of being serious and portraying a sound character, etc.
Although some people are of the opinion that laughter is a safety valve, in order to get rid of their stress and worries.
As Muslims, our worries and stress should be treated the same way prescribed by the Prophet (S. A. W.): When something was troubling him, he would pray. (Abu Dawood)
According to an authentic hadith, when he (S. A. W.) was overtaken by worries and distress, he would say: Oh Ever-Living, Oh Eternal One, by Your Mercy I seek Your help. Allah is my Lord, and I do not associate anything with Him. (Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, bi Rahmatika astagheethu, Allah rabbi wa laa ushiruku bihi shay'an.) Abu Dawood
In the famous supplication to relieve stress and anxiety, he (S. A. W.) said ; O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your Command over me is forever executed and Your Decree over me is Just. I ask You by every Name Belonging to You which You Named Yourself with, or Revealed in Your Book, or You Taught to any of Your Creation, or You have Preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You Make the Qur’an the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.
In conclude this subject;
The prominent religious scholar, Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah said:
“Joking is Sunnah, but only for those who know how to do it and do it at the appropriate time.”
Being a Muslim requires careful thought and conduit. There is a time and place for everything, including joking. There is also an audience for joking – and everyone should know that, especially when telling jokes and provoking laughter.
Laughing at a party or a meeting is permitted, as long as laughter is not excessive to the point of loosing control. There are still plenty of Muslims and non-Muslims facing hardship around the globe that it would be insensitive to keep laughing about frivolous matters and turning valuable attention, efforts and time away from them.
Of course, for parents who love joking, laughing and playing with children, should know that it is not only permitted, but encouraged with keeping moderation. And while doing that, they shouldn’t joke and laugh to the extent that their children lose respect for them. Excessive teasing is also not allowed, as it can cause emotional baggage in children, especially those who are sensitive in nature.
Prophet Muhammad said:
“Do not laugh too much, for laughing too much deadens the heart.” (Ibn Majah)
In another narration, Prophet Muhammad had also cautioned not to speak too much about religious matters as this could turn hearts hard. Either way, a Muslim’s life needs to be in moderation. A Muslim should laugh and play with his family, share permissible jokes amongst friends, but keep serious when it comes to matters that require attention.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab said:
“Whoever laughs too much or jokes too much loses respect, and whoever persists in doing something will be known for it.”
Keeping good character is imperative in Islam. Joking and laughing do build character of someone who appreciates joy and life in general, so to keep Islam a religion of severe seriousness would be an imbalance to the Islamic faith.
At the same time however, moderate laughter is the best way to go for an observing Muslim – so it pays to pay heed as to how Prophet Muhammad would conduct such interaction as only the best of believers would follow his footsteps.
DD Usman
MSSN President/Amir
NTA TV College, Jos
10-10-2021
