View of Islam on laughter (2)

The prominent figures of the divine religion of Islam have always put emphasis on laughter and humor. Islamic teachings present constructive recommendations on laughter which will be discussed today.

Last time, we spoke of the benefits of laughter and well manners, pointing out that the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) and His Infallible Household were uniquely well-mannered and advised their followers to follow suit. According to Islamic teachings, laughter is a necessary means for reinforcement of the spirit, and physical and mental health of mankind.

However, fake laughter, such as sarcastic laughter, doesn’t maintain this feature and benefit. Meanwhile, according to Islamic teachings, if laughter is coupled with gossiping, lying, in addition to commitment of other similar sins, it would lead to the deterioration and downward spiral of the person and the human community.

Discussion on laughter has always been coupled with the study and consideration of the concept of happiness. The outlooks of individuals toward the topic of happiness have differed and been tied to their characteristic traits and cultures.

According to the Greek Philosopher, Aristotle, ordinary people assume joy as equivalent to happiness. Successful individuals name a good performance as tantamount to happiness, while scientists attribute happiness to a thoughtful life.

The English Philosopher of the 20^th Century AD, Bertrand Russell, notes that some people consider laughter and absence of any arguments in life as the signs of happiness.

As a reminder, last week, we said that laughter and humor has been recommended by the prominent figures of the sacred religion of Islam. Meanwhile, Islamic teachings present a number of constructive recommendations on laughter, such as avoidance of excessive and loud laughter. Furthermore, based on Islamic teachings, refusal to weep over one’s sins is considered to be a sign of callousness.

Now, we want to find out what are the definition of happiness and the general viewpoint of the divine religion of Islam toward this topic of importance.

Some consider happiness as a collection of joys. A number of psychologists opine that happiness is a positive sense which originates from content and victory.

The grand Iranian thinker and Islamologist, Ayatollah Morteza Motahari, notes that happiness is a joyous mood which mankind feels as the result of fulfillment of one of his goals and aspirations; while sadness is an unfortunate and painful mood that occurs upon the failure to achieve a goal or aspiration. The definition which this Islamic thinker renders is an in-depth and precise one, compared to the two other presented definitions of happiness.

Upon a glance at the Islamic sources, namely Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them), one realizes that the divine religion of Islam favors and approves happiness and has presented accurate recommendations to maintain this trait.

The 8^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household, Imam Reza (Peace be upon him), calls on Muslims to divide their time into four parts. He urges Muslims to spend some time on observance of prayers and worship of God; allocate some time for work and provision of livelihood; earmark some time for interactions with their trusted friends and associates, who make one aware of his shortcomings; and to put some time for recreational activities in order to gain the necessary strength to fulfill one’s duties.

In this Islamic Hadith, Imam Reza has clearly called on Muslims to spend some time on recreational activities in order to regain the necessary energy for materialization of one’s duties. The materialization of one’s duties and obligations paves the way for mankind to attain development and perfection.

 According to Islam, mankind who is the most valuable creature of God is born to make use of divine blessings, and to face different situations, in order to develop one, and to thereafter be transferred to an eternal world to achieve prosperity next to one’s creator, God Almighty. In this ideology, all of man’s conducts and behaviors seek an elevated goal. Happiness is a blessings bestowed by God upon mankind to assist man to overcome all difficulties and to revitalize one’s energy to cover the path to perfection.

In contrast, materialistic outlook which considers mankind as a creature restricted between birth and death, baselessly considers contemplation about the origin of mankind and Day of Resurrection as a source of anxiety and despair. Based on materialistic outlook, given that man’s wisdom is incapable of understanding facts in this regard, one should either assume that there is no main goal, or we are better off not thinking about this ultimate goal, because it would unease and horrify us in the material world. The supporters of materialism believe that our opportunities are limited, and death marks the end of our lives, so we are better off being happy in this world and not to ponder over issues that make us anxious. In the framework of materialistic outlook, anything that would cheer us up for a while is welcome. However, the divine religion of Islam disagrees with this view. For instance, Islam prohibits the usage of psychedelic pills, promiscuity, humiliation of others, and sinful parties.

As we said, well manners are one of the avenues available for attaining happiness and gladdening others. Also, humor, as long as it is not coupled with commitment of sins, is one of the simplest ways for materialization of happiness. A neat appearance and a clean attire, and usage of perfumes have been recommended by Islamic teachings in order to maintain one’s inner happiness. Currently, sciences have also proved that colors leave an impact on man’s moods and sentiments. Islam calls for wearing attires with bright colors such as the color of white.

Physical agility and athletic activities highly contribute to one’s spiritual balance. Experience has shown that upon physical exercise, one senses happiness. Islamic teachings put emphasis on playing sports, especially swimming, and horse riding.

Benefitting from the beauties of nature is a highly effective factor for gladdening mankind. The universe provides the means for happiness of mankind. The refreshing spring season, beautiful waterfalls, pretty flowers, sunrise, rainfall, pretty birds, in addition to many other astonishing phenomena in the world, give rise to one’s happiness. Holy Quran has called on people to pay attention to the scenic nature and landscapes to realize the grandeur and prudence of the one and only creator of the world, God Almighty, and to attain true happiness.

Furthermore, meeting associates, friends, and religious Ulema, gives rise to happiness in man’s life. Also, observance of prayers and reinforcement of bonds with God is one of the best approaches for attainment of original happiness. The happiness which the divine religion of Islam considers for mankind is coupled with awareness and development, and whatever which would lead to man’s negligence is considered as fake happiness.

MR/SS