Smile, It’s Sunnah
Smiling in your brother’s face is an act of charity.
Salaamun alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu,
Following our discussion in the previous edition of this newsletter, I hope you’ve been spreading the greetings of salaam and amassing some rewards from Allaah. In continuation of our discussion on simple acts with which we can amass rewards from Allaah, I will be reminding you of another simple act that can be easily done, yet highly rewarding with Allaah.
Abu Dhar narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he said “Do not disdain a good deed - no matter how small it may seem, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith established from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that meeting your brother with a cheerful face is a good deed which you should not disdain. Even though it might seem small to you, it will be rewarded by Allaah as He rewards every good deed and He is not unjust with His servants.
To further reinforce how beneficial this simple act can be, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was reported to have said that; “smiling in your brother’s face is an act of charity” (At-Tirmidhi). Thus, it is equal to spending on the cause of Allaah - without having to pay a penny. This, therefore, presents a Prophetic solution to those who desire to give charity but cannot afford it.
“I have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) does.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Smiling is also a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It was reported that he was always cheerful and bright-faced. Thus, practising this act is following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – an act that is greatly rewarded by Allah.
In addition to the numerous rewards associated with this simple act, there are proven medical benefits associated with smiling. According to many reports, the brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress when you smile. There are other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins that also come into play - the endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas serotonin is an antidepressant.
Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, there are many simple ways to amass rewards from Allah and smiling in the face of your brother is one of them - a genuine smile made sincerely for the sake of Allah and in hope of His rewards. Keep smiling, it’s Sunnah and it’s highly rewarding.
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