Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Abstaining from forbidden acts (maharim) is a form of patience that requires effort; this itself is the worship through which a person’s relationship with Allah Ta’ala is strengthened. For when a servant’s soul inclines toward some evil, but on the other hand, when he, out of regard for Allah Ta’ala, overcomes his commanding self (nafs al-ammarah), then at that moment, love for Allah Ta’ala increases manifold. Furthermore, being content with Allah Ta’ala’s decree, treating one’s neighbors with good conduct, and considering one’s brothers as equivalent to oneself in matters of preference and dislike while wishing well for them—these are such good deeds that bring inner joy and happiness. Undoubtedly, laughter and smiling are established from the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dharr radi Allahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: I know the person of Paradise who will be the last to come out of Hell and the last to enter Paradise. That person will be brought forth. Allah Ta’ala will command: Ask him about his minor sins, but do not mention his major sins. So it will be said to him: On such and such a day, you committed such and such a sin. Then it will be said to him: For every evil deed of yours, you are given a good deed in exchange. Upon hearing this, he will say: O my Lord! I have also committed many major sins, but I do not see them here. I saw that when the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam narrated this, he laughed until his molar teeth became visible. (Tirmidhi)

However, such incidents are extremely rare. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam forbade excessive laughter, because it causes a person’s heart to die and makes him disinterested in acts of goodness and virtue.