Verily the eyes of Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was like that which had kuhl on it.

A question arises from this hadith, that in that last hadith of the previous chapter, it is stated that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam always remained in deep thought and sorrow. This seems to contradict that hadith. Two explanations are given to the hadith. The first is that the meaning of the hadith is that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam smiled more than he laughed. No other person was seen, whose smile was more than his laugh. In a further hadith which is reported from that same Sahaabi, this has been clearly elucidated. The second explanation is that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam besides being naturally worried, smiled and appeared cheerful so that the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum might feel at ease and comfortable. This is the pinnacle of humbleness and good character. In the fifth and sixth hadith of this chapter, Sayyidina Jarir radiyallahu anhu says that whenever Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saw me, he met me with a cheerful smile. There now remains no contradiction with the first hadith. Many times it so happens that a person is sad and worried, but to keep others happy, or for some other reason one has the opportunity to meet them cheerfully. Those who have in their hearts a mark of love, experience this many times.

That means he smiled more often. There were fewer occasions where he laughed.

This person whose case is being narrated in detail is the same person of whom it was first described in brief that he will be the last one to enter Jannah, or it may be another person. The person who will enter Jannah last is the one whose incident is mentioned in the seventh hadith of this chapter.

The second narration is mentioned because it may be known that by laughing as mentioned in the first hadith, it is meant that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam smiled. This smile is to show happiness, as to meet one cheerfully makes one feel at ease. I have observed that my elders at times met visitors with such happiness and cheerfulness that the visitor may feel that happiness is being felt by our coming.

The laughing of Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was due to his happiness on granting His Mercies and Bounties on a person who is the last to be taken out of Jahannam. From this it is clear that the person was the most sinful (Muslim). Yet he was so greatly rewarded in this manner. What about the general Muslims, and especially the pious, what great Mercies and Bounties shall be showered on them? The more bounties the Ummah will receive, the more it becomes a reason for Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam to become happy. It is possible that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam laughed, because that person, who after experiencing the great hardships and punishment, came out of Jahannam. Yet he had the audacity to express his desires and also say that Allah was joking.

It may be doubted that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam laughed because the man’s feet were raised in the air, hence the satr (private parts) was exposed. Therefore the reason for laughing had to be asked. Sayyidina Sa’d radiyallahu anhu replied, No, but because I, although a good marksman, the non believer protected himself. He was clever to move his shield from side to side. But Sa’d thought of a plan, and aimed at him in such a way that he did not have a chance to protect himself and fell down.