Smiling is a prophetic act of kindness
“Smiling at someone is sadaqa and we find this in the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam.”
The khutbah argues that smiling, gentleness, and welcoming others are prophetic practices that spread comfort, strengthen relationships, and express faith despite personal hardship.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- A smile is sadaqa and can lift people facing distress or shame.
- Zaid ibn Arqam’s story shows how the Prophet’s smile restored hope during communal conflict.
- Stories of Ka‘b ibn Malik and Umar illustrate welcome, forgiveness, and gentle humor.
- The Prophet smiled despite grief, responsibility, and awareness of Jahannam.
- Listeners are urged to smile at home, in public, and during family interactions.
In the khateeb's words
“the sahaba say that we've never seen someone smile more than the prophet”
“smiling at someone is sadaqa and we find this in the prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam”
“sallallahu alaihi wasallam didn't have to be serious to be loved he could be he could smile and people loved him and respected him”
“when you enter your house no one is allowed to enter their home to meet their wife without a smile and no spouse should welcome their wife without a smile”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that smiling and gentleness are part of the Prophet’s Sunnah. The Prophet welcomed people and smiled even though he carried enormous responsibilities, grief, and hardship. Stories about Zaid, Ka‘b, and others show how a small smile could restore hope and dignity. We are encouraged to smile when greeting family, friends, and people in the masjid, and to avoid yelling at home. A warm expression can be a simple act of charity and a way to follow the Prophet.
- How can a smile make someone’s difficult day better?
- What could we change at home so we greet each other more warmly?
- How can we disagree without raising our voices?
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