This course explores the way the Prophet ﷺ embodied laughter, lightness and compassion—even in trying times—and what this means for our lives today. 

Each day for the month of Rabi al-Awwal, we will reflect on a story or teaching from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which shows his soft heart, deep care for people, joyous disposition, emotional intelligence and sense of humor. We will spend the month contemplating the sensitivity and compassion of the Prophet ﷺ as well as the wisdom and grace with which he dealt with people of all backgrounds and with which he navigated situations of all types. We will see how he cultivated a community of companions who, no matter the challenges they faced, were quick to smile and to treat one another with compassion and generosity.

“Does God Laugh?” provides a window into the sensitivity, compassion and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad.ﷺ It is meant to assist lovers and seekers to connect more deeply with the human being behind the message of Islam and be transformed and illuminated by the noble character and wisdom that he exemplified. The course will explore his own states and emotions, as well as his teachings on the good life and how to cultivate joy and happiness no matter what circumstances one finds oneself. We will consider how our spiritual practice is not meant to insulate us from the world or to avoid its pain and its challenges but to give us the practices and perspectives to not only be healed but to become healers, not only to be transformed but to transform those around us, and not only become enlightened but to be sources of illumination in the midst of the darkness that exists within the world.