Table of contents:
Smiling is a human act of expressing joy and happiness. It's something we usually intentionally or unintentionally do. But nevertheless, of our intention, the benefits are almost the same. Yes! you heard me right. Same!
A recent study by Stanford University's Nicola coles and others suggests that:
activating smile muscles through intentional actions, such as imitating smiling faces or adjusting facial muscles to mimic a smile, led to measurable increases in reported happiness among participants. This study included over 3,800 people from multiple countries, reinforcing that smiling can foster emotional uplift across cultural contexts.
Refrence:https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/10/posing-smiles-can-brighten-mood
Apart from the scientific evidences, there are numerous hadiths of our beloved Prophet ﷺ confirming the importance of smiling from his actions.
Abdullah ibn Harith reported:
“I have never seen anyone who smiled more than the Prophet ﷺ.”
Reference: Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 3641
Aishah رضي الله عنه narrated:
“The Prophet ﷺ was always smiling & easygoing.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 56, Hadith 758
Now here comes the visualization part. He ﷺ did not live a luxurious nor comfortable life as per our modern standards but still he was smiling a lot which we will discuss further in our blog.
1. Benefits
1. Scientists Evidences
1. Mood improvment
Smiling can release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which act as natural mood lifters.Which help fight overthinking,anxiety and depression
Source: Tara L. Kraft & Sarah D. Pressman, Psychological Science, 2012.
2. Stress Relief
Smiling reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, cortisol works in an inverse fashion with hormones and neurotransmitters of joy ,happiness and motivation
as demonstrated in studies where smiling showed decreased heart rate and stress.
Source: Sarah D. Pressman & Sheldon Cohen, Psychological Bulletin, 2005.
3. Enhanced Immunity
Smiling and positive emotions boosts immune function by lowering stress hormones as stress hormones works in an inverse way with our immunity.
Source: Barbara L. Fredrickson & Thomas Joiner, American Psychologist, 2002.
4. Pain Relief
Endorphins released due to smiling serve as natural painkillers and help reduce discomfort.
Source: Marianne LaFrance, Lip Service: Smiles in Life, Death, Trust, Lies, Work, Memory, Sex, and Politics, 2011.
5. Improved Relationships
Smiling fosters trust and approachability, as positive expressions are linked to stronger social bonds and greater mutual trust.
Source: Jessica L. Tracy & Richard W. Robins, Emotion, 2008.
6. Longevity & reduced risk of cancer & infection
According to Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing, optimism—which is linked to smiling—is associated with a lower risk of early death from cancer and infection. And according to a study in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, people who experience higher levels of optimism have a longer life span. The research included data from two large population studies that totaled 71,400 individuals and found that both optimistic men and women demonstrated exceptional longevity, i.e., surviving to 85 years old.
Refrence: www.health.harvard.edu/blog/if-you-are-happy-and-you-know-it-you-may-live-longer-2019101618020
7. Enhanced Productivity
Positive emotions associated with smiling can increase motivation and work efficiency by encouraging a positive mindset.
Source: Alice M. Isen, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2001.
8. Social Acceptance
Smiling individuals are often perceived as more likable, approachable, and trustworthy in social situations.
Source: Paula M. Niedenthal, Emotion, 1998.
9. Blood Pressure Regulation:
Smiling have been associated with a reduction in blood pressure by promoting relaxation and lowering stress levels.
Source: Lee Berk & Stanley Tan, Loma Linda University, 2009.
2. Islamic Overview
It is quoted several times in the pages of history, the amazing effects of a simple a smile, as the hadith says.
The Prophet ﷺ stated:
“When a Muslim meets another Muslim and greets him with a smile and sincerity, Allah grants him reward.”
Reference: Riyad as-Salihin, Book 1, Hadith 612
The fact has been highlighted by various speakers from time to time by various Islamic scholars and influential personalities as such:
1. Ibn Taymiyyah: "A cheerful face and a gentle smile can warm the hardest heart."
Reference: Majmu' al-Fatawa, Vol. 10, Page 40
2. Al-Ghazali: "A smile has a magic that words lack."
Reference: Ihya’ Ulum al-Din, Book 3, Chapter on Etiquette
3. Imam Shafi'i: "Be a person who lights others' lives with your smile."
Reference: Diwan al-Shafi’i
4. Hasan al-Basri: "A kind smile is a sign of a true believer’s heart."
Reference: Hilyat al-Awliya, Vol. 2, Page 131
5. Imam Ibn Qayyim: "Smile to reflect the inner peace given by faith."
Reference: Madarij al-Salikeen, Vol. 2, Page 291
6. Imam Abu Hanifa: "A smile can be a way to spread love and eliminate hatred."
Reference: Kitab al-Hujjah, Page 48
7. Ibn Sina: "Good health and a smile are closely linked."
Reference: Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb
8. Sufyan al-Thawri: "A smile opens doors that anger closes."
Reference: Kitab al-Zuhd, Page 112
9. Ibn Kathir: "The Prophet's smile was his silent invitation to goodness."
Reference: Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya, Vol. 4, Page 34
10. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: "An honest smile is an arrow in the heart of a friend."
Reference: Al-Masa’il by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Page 91
2. The Similitude of Prophet ﷺ
The best or the best creation of Allah, despite all sorts of hardship, never failed to put up a smile. He ﷺ was tortured, humiliated, insulted, exiled, etc. Yet his smile didn't vanish away.
The Prophet ﷺ traveled to Ta'if to invite the people to Islam, but instead, he was met with harsh rejection. They pelted him with stones until he bled.
Narrated by Aisha, the Prophet ﷺ said, “I suffered at the hands of your people most severely on the day of Aqabah in Ta'if when I presented myself to Ibn Abd Yalail ibn Abd Kulal and he did not respond to my demand...”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 54, Hadith 90
During the early years of Islam, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions endured significant persecution in Mecca. Some companions were tortured, and the Prophet himself was subjected to mockery, threats, and isolation.
Narrated Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt, "We complained to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ while he was resting in the shade of the Ka'bah. We said, 'Will you not ask Allah to help us? Will you not ask Allah to give us victory?' He ﷺ replied, 'Among those who came before you, a man would be sawn in half, yet that would not make him abandon his faith...'"
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, Hadith 132
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced the loss of many close family members, including his beloved wife Khadijah رضي الله عنه and his uncle Abu Talib, in what is known as the “Year of Grief.”
Narrated by Ibn Abbas, "The Prophet ﷺ wept upon the grave of his mother. The people asked him, 'Why do you weep?' He replied, 'This is a reminder of the separation and difficulties I have endured.'"
Source: Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 211
In the Battle of Uhud, Prophet ﷺ was injured, and his followers faced severe loss. His tooth was broken, and he suffered severe wounds to his face.
Anas ibn Malik narrated, "The Prophet ﷺ was injured in the battle of Uhud. He said, 'How can a people succeed who wound their Prophet while he calls them to their Lord?'"
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 23, Hadith 423
The hypocrites constantly undermined him, spreading false rumors and creating dissent. Despite their harmful actions, he remained patient, dealing with them wisely and fairly.
Even after all that he was the one who smiled the most (although that doesn't mean he never cried)
Anas ibn Malik reported:
“Whenever the Prophet ﷺ met me, he would smile at me.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book 30, Hadith 5737
3. An overview of our lives.
This modern world is filled with toxicity. There are all sorts of disturbing factors that constantly work to take away our smile and leave us with a burden of sorrow and overthinking. Even in those tough times, remind yourself what the Prophet ﷺ faced. Ask yourself "what would the Prophet ﷺ do if he saw he was in this position? "
And you will find the strength to tackle all the issues with a confident smile. As Salahuddin Ayubi once said:
Put up your smile & show strength in face of trials.
We are warriors of Allah and we face all the trials with a smile, whether the trials are external or internal. Sometimes it's tough though, as the world literally breaks us apart. But even after being shattered apart, we rebuild ourselves and rise again.
Conclusion
Smiling has some of the amazing benefits both from scientific as well as Islamic perspective. The blog covers almost all those , also what other narrators and speakers have regarding smiling and explains the value that Prophet ﷺ gave to smiling even in the midst of all the challenges he ﷺ faced.
اللهم مُصَرِّفَ الْقُلُوْبِ صَرِّفْ قُلُوْبَنَا عَلَى طَاعتِكَ
O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience
Ameen.
Comment down any quest
ion or dought you have regarding islam and its doctrines. Future blogs will inshallah include the solution to them ☺️
Fiqh & hadith related doughts will be explained by ulema of the specific fields inshallah
0 Comments