Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his exceptional character, which encompassed various qualities, including a good sense of humor. He interacted with people in a friendly and warm-hearted manner, occasionally engaging in jokes and pleasantries. His approach to humor was always moderate and balanced, just as he approached every aspect of his life. The Prophet’s wit and humor are reflected in his actions and teachings, demonstrating his profound wisdom and understanding of human nature.
The Messenger With Good Sense Of Humor
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was good humor, warmhearted, and friendly, and occasionally, he joked with the people around him. Due to his fitrah (nature), he always acted in moderation. His gentleness is also referred to in the Holy Quran:
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
So by mercy from Allāh, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allāh. Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him].
(Al-Quran, 3/159).
However, when he did make jokes and pleasantries, he always behaved with moderate humor as he did in every aspect of his life. For example, as related by Abu Hurairah, when some of his companions said to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
“O Prophet Muhammad, yet, you also joke with us!” He replied: “Yes, I do. But I only tell the truth.”
Joking with Companions
There are instances where the companions of the Prophet expressed surprise when he made jokes. In response to their astonishment, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) affirmed that he did indeed engage in humor but always spoke the truth. His jokes were never deceptive or hurtful, aligning with his principle of honesty and integrity.
Relationship with Grand Children:
The people HE (PBUH) joked with the most were the grandchildren of the Prophet (PBUH), Hasan, and Hussein. He would hold their hands, place them on his feet and then lift them to his (PBUH) bosom, hug and kiss them. Sometimes he(PBUH) would even carry them on his shoulders.
One day while Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was going to a meeting, he (PBUH) ran into Hussein who was playing on the street. He (PBUH) stopped in front of him, opened his arms, and called him. But Hussein did not want to come to him and he ran away playfully. Then the Prophet (PBUH) ran after Hussein laughing and caught him. Then he (PBUH) kissed and petted him and gave him his blessings.
In another rayah (narration) by Jabir, the Prophet (PBUH) was pretending to be a camel and his grandsons were riding on his back. He was walking on his hands and feet and made a compliment to them:
“How wonderful is your camel and how wonderful riders you are!”
Enes b. Malik was a sahabi (companion) who had served the Prophet from the age of ten. The Prophet sometimes joked with him by saying:
“Ya Za’l-uzunayn (O you with two ears).”
Then he would pull Malik’s locks lightly and pet him.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) possessed a remarkable sense of humor, which he used to bring joy, laughter, and affection to the lives of those around him. His humor was never excessive or hurtful but rather a means of fostering bonds, easing tensions
