What's in a smile...

[IslamDefender]

We often overlook simple, yet very effective acts in our lives.  The Prophet said:
"تبسمك في وجه أخيك صدقة"
This means: Smiling at your fellow Muslim is a charity.
If you meet your fellow Muslim with a smiling face, while having a good intention, you will have reward in the Hereafter.

We tend to forget these things, especially with those we see daily.  Many of us are pleasant with strangers; we put on our best face, but with our relatives--who are actually the most deserving of our kind treatment--we tend to be less well-mannered.  Our relatives are the people whose lives we influence the most, and can benefit a lot from our positive emotions.  We exert an effort to smile when we meet our Muslim brothers and sisters, but do we remember to smile when we see our son, daughter, or husband around the house?  And if we do, do we remember the intention--that we are smiling because this smile brings joy to a Muslim, and is rewardable in the religion?  If we remember this, our familial relationships will take on a whole new dimension, and will noticeably improve.

The opportunities for the Muslim to earn reward are varied, and many of them do not require giving away a physical entity.  You will not be able to encompass all people with giving your money, but you can encompass them all with your good manners.

Many bad outcomes are averted because of a smile, and many business deals are solidified because of a smile.  Research even shows that the simple act of smiling elevates a depressed mood by releasing certain substances in the brain like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which are known as the 'feel-good' neurotransmitters.  This is also associated with a positive physiological body response, like decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.  Additionally, a smile can activate a certain part of the brain (orbitofrontal cortex ) in the person receiving a smile, resulting in that person feeling rewarded and pleased.

So even if you don't feel like smiling, put a smile on your face.  No, it is not a 'fake' smile; it is sincere because you do it with a good intention.
Smile; it is a powerful thing!