By Bint Rose
In a rapidly changing world we often forget the value of the simplest things. The warmth of a family, extending to your salaam to random sisters and giving them a smile are all overlooked as we carry on our daily lives. Too often we under estimate the value of these small deeds and strive to complete the bigger ones, forgetting that it takes small pieces to build a big house. Smiling, a natural human behavior has been somewhat ignored – it is the ‘norm’ for us to keep our serious, sombre faces most of the time. In some places, smiling is seen as a strange behavior!
Why should you smile?
Smiling is sadaqah!
Narrated Abu Dharr: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "When you smile in your brother's face, or enjoin what is reputable, or forbid what is objectionable, or direct someone who has lost his way, or help a man who has bad eyesight, or remove stones, thorns and bones from the road, or pour water from your bucket into your brother's, it counts to you as "sadaqah".
(Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying this is a gharib tradition.)
What better reason is there to smile in the face of fellow sisters and small children than emulating our Prophet (Peace be upon him)?
At times, you may feel as though there is no reason to smile – family life may be getting to you, schoolwork might be piling up and you may feel that to smile would be an incorrect reflection of your feelings. Although it has become cliché, we should always reflect on the many blessings we have been given in comparison with those less fortunate. When comparing our blessings, the Prophet gave us a simple yet practical way to do it:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for this would make the favors (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes). Abu Mu'awiya said: Upon you.
Even the things we take for granted including out eyes, ears, mouth, nose – the fact that you are able to read this article right are all reasons to smile.
As well have having spiritual benefits; smiling is also good for your health. Every time you smile, your brains releases endorphins – natures own painkillers – in to the bloodstream. It also requires less facial muscles to smile, than frown. A smile can require up to five pairs of facial muscles, while frowning can use up to 53 individual ones! There is no guessing which one causes more wrinkles!
Smiling is a sadaqah, as well as having health benefits. For the sake of Allah, make it an effort to smile at you family and fellow sisters in Islam at least once a day. You just might make their day!
