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The assertion that “laughter is lightness of spirit” is incorrect, although the two may occur together. If, by “lightness of spirit,” the speaker means a blameworthy quality, this applies when one laughs at something one ought not to laugh at. Otherwise, laughter in its proper place is a praiseworthy quality and an attribute of perfection. If we suppose two living beings, one of whom laughs at what merits laughter while the other never laughs at all, the first is more perfect than the second.

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The Lord looks upon you in your despair and continues to laugh, knowing that your relief is near.”

Abū Razīn al-ʿUqaylī said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, does the Lord laugh?”

“Yes,” he replied.

He said, “We will never lack goodness from a Lord who laughs.”

Thus, by virtue of his sound innate disposition, this intelligent Bedouin took His laughter as evidence of His kindness and bounty. This indicates that this attribute is associated with praiseworthy beneficence and is an attribute of perfection. A grim-faced person who never laughs is blamed for this. Indeed, the Day of severe punishment is described as:

“a grim and distressful Day.”