The Psychology of Smiling and Crying
Jarir ibn Abdullah said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) never refused me permission to see him since I embraced Islam and never looked at me but with a smile” (Sahih Muslim). Smiling is a powerful tool that not only affects the mind but also the body. It triggers the brain’s reward mechanism, making people feel happy. Moreover, smiling is associated with positive traits like courtesy, likability, and competence. Smiling at others fosters strong social bonds and can elevate the mood of those around you. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “You cannot satisfy people with your wealth, but satisfy them with your cheerful faces and good morals” (Abu Ya`la and Al-Hakim). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Smiling in your brother’s face is an act of charity (which assists one to relieve stress and boost mood)” [At-Tirmidhi; Declared Authentic by Al-Albani].
Even though laughter can temporarily relieve stress, excessive inappropriate loud laughing can affect your body and surroundings negatively. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, a man might speak a word (bad joke) to make those around him laugh, yet by it, he plunges farther than the star of Pleiades.” (Musnad Aḥmad) Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Laugh little. Much laughter kills the heart.” The Prophet said, “Beware of too much laughter, for it will deaden the heart and take away the light on your face.” This hadith indicates that laughter, heart health, and skin health are in a very close relationship.
Shedding emotional tears has many benefits, including reducing pain, fighting bacteria, and promoting a sense of well-being. A Hadith mentions that a person will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His, who remembers Allah in seclusion and whose eyes get flooded with tears. (Sahih al-Bukhari) However, weeping is disliked by the Prophet (PBUH). Muslim has quoted Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, saying that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enjoined saying, “Any Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and who says as he has been commanded by Allah: “We belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return, praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds; Lord! Grant me rewards for my calamity and compensate me with something better than it), Allah will surely compensate me for that calamity with something good.”
“Allah is the One who makes you laugh or cry” (53:43). As emotionally intelligent beings, we need to know how to control our emotions and use our emotional intelligence. Achieving perfect emotional control is a journey, and it takes time, patience, and practice.
