Lasting joy grows from Allah’s mercy
“The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam mostly smiled.”
The Prophet Muhammad’s joyful, gentle way of smiling and laughing teaches believers to find lasting happiness in Allah’s mercy, gratitude, worship, guidance, and hope of Paradise despite hardship.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the Prophet’s uncomplicated personality and principled anger, tears, and restrained laughter.
- Explains that he mostly smiled through hardship because joy came from love of Allah and compassion.
- Illustrates his humor and warmth with Ali, an elderly woman, Umar, his wives, and simple hospitality.
- Shows his joy at Quran recitation, conversions, revelation, and reminders of Allah’s blessings.
- Describes his laughter at Allah’s mercy toward sinners who repent.
- Concludes with Allah’s delight in difficult Fajr worship and mercy toward a martyr and a repentant killer.
In the khateeb's words
“The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam mostly smiled. And smiled big in some instances. But he never laughed out loud.”
“The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, laughter and joy was out of joy, sincerity, compassion, and caring as an indication of a caring heart.”
“So the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, when he heard Abu Musa al-Ash'ari reciting the Qur'an, brought joy and smile to the heart of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
“The biggest blessing brothers and sisters in Islam that we have is the joy of the mercy of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, smiled often and shared joy with his family and companions. His joy reflected kindness and care, even while he faced grief and hardship. The khateeb described how Qur’an recitation, people finding guidance, and simple gifts like shade, milk, and dates brought him happiness. He also emphasized Allah’s mercy and the hope of forgiveness when we repent. As a family, we can notice our blessings, bring joy to one another with kindness, and remember that Allah’s mercy gives us reasons to rejoice even when life is difficult.
- What simple blessing made you happy today, and how could you show gratitude for it?
- How could you make someone smile this week in a kind and caring way?
- What helps you feel connected to the Qur’an when you listen or read?
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