In Islam making people happy is very important
In Islam, recreation and entertainment--making others happy, pleased, and hopeful--is regarded as very important. So, when you're involved in entertainment activity: perform a play, tell a funny story, recite a poem or hold a competition, you should feel like you're worshiping God. For example, when Mr. Shisheh-Garan writes a piece, he should feel like he is doing an act of worship. It is fact. Feel that you commit to and fulfill part of the fundamentals that Islamic life has considered for human beings.
Statements while meeting the Radio "Sports and Entertainment" group on December 22, 1992
A Happy Social Life at the Time of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him)
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) created a joyous environment for his companions: he joked with people, held competitions, which he participated in himself. Those who lived with him for a decade, increased their amount of love for the prophet (pbuh) and belief in him within their hearts. When he conquered Mecca, Abu Sufyan, secretly, with support of Abbas--uncle of the Prophet--came to his camp to take refuge. In the morning, he saw the Prophet performing ablution, and the people gathered around him to have droplets of water dripping from the prophet’s face and hands! He said: "I have seen Kasra and Qaisar, the great and powerful kings of the world, but I have not seen such dignity within them."
Statements from sermons of Friday prayer in Tehran, May 18, 2001
A life of Paradise is a life with smiles
One of the most important things, and certainly part of social necessities, is keeping one’s smile. Smiling is a need of human life. Life without smiling and happiness, is a hell. A life of Paradise is a life with smiles. Imam Ali (as) said: "A true believer keeps a smile on his face and keeps his grief in his heart." If you have sorrows, you should keep them in your heart; a true believer is like this. The believer’s face smiles and shows happiness. All faces should be happy. If you can bring joy to your community with your happy face, then you should do it.
Statements while meeting the Radio "Sports and Entertainment" group (December 22, 1992)
