I have never seen the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laughing so heartily to the extent of seeing his uvulae; rather, he would only smile
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أُمِّ المُؤْمِنين رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا، قَالَتْ: مَا رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مُسْتَجْمِعًا قَطُّ ضَاحِكًا، حَتَّى أَرَى مِنْهُ لَهَوَاتِهِ، إِنَّمَا كَانَ يَتَبَسَّمُ.
‘Ā’ishah, Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I have never seen the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) laughing so heartily to the extent of seeing his uvulae; rather, he would only smile.
Agreed uponGradeAuthentic
Explanation
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informed that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not exaggerate in laughing until his uvula, which is the fleshy extension hanging above the throat, could be seen; rather, he would only smile.
Benefits
- The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to smile rather than laugh as an expression of pleasure or admiration.
- Ibn Hajar said: I have never seen him laughing so heartily in such a way that he would be fully laughing and totally indulged in laughter.
- Excessive laughter and loud giggling are not among the qualities of the righteous.
- Excessive laughter damages one's prestige and respect among his fellows.
Reference
صحيح البخاري (8/ 24) (6092). صحيح مسلم (2/ 616) (899).