From
MuslimMatters:
Bismillah
If we were asked to name instances where the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam displayed bravery, shed tears or gave advice to his Companions, we would be able to do so easily. But how many of us can name at least three times where the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was seen laughing or making others laugh?
Muslims need to lighten up and embrace this sunnah of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Righteousness does not equate to frowning and looking scary—not only is it counterproductive, but it’s against the sunnah of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. The scholars and du’aat who truly follow this sunnah today are the ones who are loved by the people because their humor brings out their gentleness and approachability, such as Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen rahimahullah who gave some
extraordinary answers during his classes that are still being shared by his students.
The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was complete in all aspects of his character and had a great sense of humor that even makes us laugh today.
From his life we also learn the etiquette of laughter and humor. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam did not laugh to a point where his molar teeth were seen or laugh so hard that he would shake. Furthermore, unlike nowadays, he did not seek humor in making fun of others or in a vulgar fashion regarding vulgar topics. He also narrated to us that we should not lie to make people laugh, “Woe to the one who tells lies to make people laugh, woe to him.” [Abu Dawood]. Read more on the conditions of permissible joking
here.
We must also keep in mind that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was moderate in his laughter, just as he was moderate in all facets of his life. He sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam warned us against laughing too much, and told us of the danger it poses to the heart when he said: “Do not laugh too much, for laughing deadens the heart.” [Tirmidhi, ibn Maajah]
Let’s look to the life of the Messenger of Allah and share a few beautiful accounts that show his sense of humor.
A Smile
Jareer ibn Abdullah Al-Bajali radi Allahu anhu narrated, Allah's Apostle did not screen himself from me since my embracing Islam, and whenever he saw me he would receive me with a smile. Once I told him that I could not sit firm on horses. He stroked me on the chest with his hand and said, "O Allah! Make him firm and make him a guiding and a rightly-guided man." [ibn Maajah, Graded Saheeh by Shaykh Albaani in Saheeh ibn Maajah]
Points of benefit:
a) The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam made each of his companions feel special. This is an attribute of a successful teacher, as each of his students will feel they have a special place with him.
b) Think about it: do you know anyone who smiles at you every time you see him/her? SubhanAllah, the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was a mercy for all of creation. Jareer radi Allahu anhu said that since he accepted Islam, the Prophet alayhi salaatu wa salaam would always smile at him. Try for one day to smile in the face of one person and see how it goes.
c) The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was easily accessible to the people. It is hard for us nowadays to reach an influental person, yet the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was readily available for his followers. As teachers and Imams in our communities, we should reflect upon this nature of our Messenger alayhi salaatu wa salaam and intend to act upon it.
d) The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam made duaa for Jareer, even for something as small as sitting firmly on his horse. This is a reminder for us to always turn to Allah in every situation, make duaa for ourselves and others, even if it's something that we feel is insignificant.
Read more
here...