When you think of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), what comes to mind? Perfect? Amazing? One of the greatest and most influential men to walk this Earth? When most people describe the Prophet (SAW), many words pop into their heads, but “comical” and “funny” are not one of those words. Although the Prophet’s main purpose was to spread the message of Allah (SWT) to as many people as possible, he was not as serious as everyone imagines. In fact, the Prophet loved to joke. He was a human being! And laughing and smiling are ESSENTIAL to humans!! As Abdullah ibn Harith narrated, “I never came across a person who smiled as much as Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad regarded smiling to a brother as an act of charity” (At-Tirmidhi).

The Prophet (SAW) often encouraged humour and joy within the lives of Muslims, while still maintaining a high iman and respecting the faith of Islam.

Ibn Mas’ud narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said; “Mix with the people on the condition that your deen is not jeopardized, and be jestful with the family” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

So let’s dig deeper into the Prophet’s (SAW) humorous side! Several ahadith reflect the Prophet’s (SAW) beautiful sense of humor and wit. He (SAW) would joke with others in his community.

For example:

“I would give you a camel’s child.” The man said, “O Messenger of Allah. What will I do with a camel’s child?” The Prophet smiled and said, “Is there any camel who is not the progeny of a camel?”

As he joked, the many sides of his prepossessing personality shown through: Abu Hurairah narrated that; When some of his companions said to Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “O Prophet Muhammad, yet, you also joke with us!” He replied: “Yes, I do. But I only tell the truth’ (At-Tirmidhi).

Although Islam is a religion that needs to be taken seriously, jokes, smile, and humour are never discouraged, when done in moderation and at the appropriate time. Joking in life is like salt in food. Too much and too little salt will render the food unappetizing. The key to joking is found in moderation. Islam is a religion of peace and happiness, so be happy! Don’t forget to smile and just like the Prophet (SAW), sprinkle some flavor onto your life through humor!