View of Islam on Laughter (1)

The divine religion of Islam is the religion of happiness and vivaciousness. The Islamic figures have put emphasis on happiness. Today, we study this topic of importance.

Mankind’s ability in dealing with difficulties of life is limited and his energy partly drains in the midst of hardships. Under these circumstances, man needs a number of means and tools to reinforce oneself. Humans maintain spiritual and physical aspects. Hence, physical nutrition and rest is insufficient in efforts to regain one’s lost strength and power, and man should also be spiritually reinforced to once again enter the scene.

There are a number of factors that result in peace of mind and revitalize the drained energy of mankind in battling woes. Happiness and laughter is one of these key factors. In fact, laughter is one of the characteristic traits of mankind which is not observed in other creatures. We have taken laughter for granted to an extent that we rarely think about this major God-given blessing. However, in recent years, scientists have unraveled the astounding and miraculous aspects of laughter, with a number of scientific fields emerging, which solely focus on this divine blessing.  Psychologists and physicians have proved beyond doubt that laughter and well manners significantly improve one’s spiritual strength, and remedy psychological scars and even physical pains.

According to Islamic narrations, the manners of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) was unique. One of the signs of kindness and awareness of presence of God is well manners.

Based on countless Islamic hadiths, the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them) were uniquely well-mannered, and strongly favored gladdening others, while also calling on their disciples, associates, and followers to do so. They were against grouchiness.

Meanwhile, although the sacred religion of Islam considers laughter as an ethical virtue, it is against going to extremes in this regard, and alongside calls for laughter, this divine religion presents constructive recommendations to put mankind on the path to eternal prosperity. Islamic teachings do not favor excessive laughter and consider such behavior as a sign of ignorance.

Sages believe that the main reason behind laughter is astonishment. Observance of a scene or remarks that surprise mankind compel him to laugh. In fact one of the reasons behind laughter being a unique trait of mankind is that other creatures are not surprised. The story of Hazrat Solomon, who was astounded and laughed upon hearing the advice of an ant to other ants, has been cited in Holy Quran. In this story, the foresight and insight of the ant surprised Solomon and led to his laughter. A wise and prudent individual is not surprised by every development that takes place. However, an imprudent person is surprised, and bursts into laughter for any small incident that takes place.

In Islamic texts, one of the root causes of excessive laughter has been named as negligence. Mankind comes into existence to develop and to get close to God. He maintains a major goal in life; the negligence of which could obstruct the materialization of his aim. If mankind ponders over the major responsibility that he shoulders and his dangerous road ahead; he will not waste his time with excessive laughter and jokes and will focus on his development and perfection. A purposeful and wise individual laughs and jokes to an extent that would not obstruct him from attainment of his goals. This individual makes use of humor and laughter as a means for spiritual and mental growth in a bid to gain further strength for covering his elevated path.

 Another type of laughter which the divine religion of Islam has negated is sarcastic laughter. Islam negates humiliating laughter, which focuses on the defects and shortcomings of others, and considers such behavior a sin.

Islamic teachings have mentioned the destructive impacts of excessive laughter. In fact, excessive laughter obstructs contemplation and focus on the origin of mankind and Day of Resurrection, which in turn leads to commitment of sins. The eradication of grandeur and degradation of mankind is one of the consequences of excessive laughter. Also, one who excessively laughs resorts to gossiping, humiliating, and lying; given that the actual reasons for laughter are limited. Such behavior disheartens others and leads to their resentment. Thus, incitement of resentment has also been considered as one of the consequences of excessive laughter within Islamic narrations.

Islamic teachings name excessive and loud laughter as one of the traits of ignorant and unwise people. Meanwhile, Islamic teachings approve of smiling, and name smiling as the best type of laughter.

Based on a number of recent studies, there is the same mechanism behind smile and laughter in mankind. In both cases, a number of face’s muscles are contracted and expanded and a number of enzymes and hormones are secreted in body, which induce happiness. So, one should not necessarily laugh loud to attain positive outcomes, and smiling will also do the job.

The same studies also show that the mechanism behind sarcastic smiles is different to the mechanism of actual smiles, which result from astonishment and happiness. Hence, fake and sarcastic laughter doesn’t leave any positive impact.

MR/SS